The Lagos State Government has directed residents living in low-lying and flood-prone communities to temporarily relocate to safer, higher ground following a fresh seven-day flood alert issued by the Nigerian Hydrological Services Agency (NiHSA).

The government said the precautionary measure was aimed at preventing loss of lives and property as rainfall and water levels rise across vulnerable areas.

The Commissioner for the Environment and Water Resources, Tokunbo Wahab, disclosed this in a statement issued on Monday by the ministry’s Director of Public Affairs, Kunle Adeshina.

According to the state government, the NiHSA alert covers Lagos and 14 other states, with several communities in Lagos identified as vulnerable to flooding.

Among the areas listed are Eti-Osa, Lagos Island, Oke-Ira Nla in Ajah, Kirikiri, Ilaje Waterfront Jetty and Jetty Terminal B.

Wahab said the state government was taking the flood advisory seriously and had intensified monitoring of identified locations, particularly riverine, low-lying and flood-prone communities.

He urged residents not to wait until floodwaters rise before taking precautionary measures, stressing that early relocation could help save lives and property.

“We are urging Lagosians, particularly those living in flood-prone and low-lying areas, not to take this warning lightly. When the signs point to danger, the safest decision is to move early. No property is worth risking a life,” Wahab said.

Lagos communities placed on flood alertThe commissioner advised residents in vulnerable communities to move to higher ground and remain there until the peak of the rainy season passes.

He also urged residents living along the Ogun River and other major waterways to exercise caution, noting that heavy rainfall and rising water levels could affect downstream communities in Lagos.

Communities listed for heightened vigilance between September 19 and 25 include Isheri North, Kara, Itowolo, Ajegunle, Majidun, Ogolonto, parts of Agboyi, and other settlements downstream of Isheri Olofin.

Wahab further advised residents living close to rivers, lagoons, wetlands, drainage channels and other water bodies to monitor official flood forecasts and prepare for temporary evacuation where necessary.

According to him, rising river levels could trigger flooding capable of affecting critical facilities such as schools, healthcare centres, markets, farms and places of worship.

Government urges residents to avoid blocked drainsWahab called on local governments, emergency management agencies, community leaders and residents to activate early-warning and emergency response mechanisms.

He urged affected communities to move people, livestock and valuable belongings to safer locations whenever necessary.

The commissioner said the state government would continue to monitor rainfall patterns, river levels and other hydrological developments in collaboration with relevant federal agencies.

He added that the government would sustain the cleaning, maintenance and monitoring of drainage infrastructure across Lagos.

Wahab also appealed to residents to support the state’s flood prevention efforts by avoiding the dumping of refuse in drains, canals and waterways, warning that blocked drainage channels could worsen flooding and delay the recession of floodwaters.

Residents were equally cautioned against walking or driving through flooded roads, bridges and fast-moving water.

8,000 communities, 4,500 schools at risk

The latest warning comes after NiHSA identified more than 8,000 communities and 4,500 schools across 15 states as being at risk of flooding between September 19 and 25.

The agency warned that rising river levels could cause flooding in vulnerable areas and expose schools, healthcare facilities, markets, religious centres and farmlands to inundation.

The states identified as most likely to be affected include Lagos, Imo, Cross River, Delta, Ebonyi, Benue, Anambra, Akwa Ibom, Edo, Enugu, Bayelsa, Kogi, Abia, Taraba and Rivers.

The Lagos State Government urged residents to treat official flood warnings as critical safety information and take early precautionary measures to protect lives and property.