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| Lagos street flooding after heavy rain, August 2025 |
Lagos State officials asked residents to keep cool heads as rain pounded the metropolis for over 12 hours on Monday. They said the state’s drainage upgrades and patrol teams stand ready to help where floodwater rises.
The environment commissioner, Tokunbo Wahab, backed the calm appeal. He noted data from the Nigerian Meteorological Agency warned of more heavy showers through Thursday. That agency forecast thunderstorms and downpours across Lagos from August 4 to August 7.
He said Lagos sits on the coast and next to a large lagoon. Tidal locks often slow floodwater from draining when rain falls hard. That mix of tides and rain sometimes floods low-lying estates, especially during peak wet months.
The state built new storm-water channels last year to cut flash-flood risks. Teams of workers now clear drains each morning. Wahab said they also use high-cap pump stations to move water off main roads fast.
NiMet data shows Lagos sees rain nearly every day from May to October. In June alone, the city averages roughly 316 mm of rain. That steady wet spells can overwhelm old gutters and bridges when downpours hit.
In the last week, radar images showed dense cloud cover forming over the coast. Those clouds have dumped more than 50 mm of rain in parts of Ikeja and Victoria Island this Monday morning.
Commuters caught in the flood said they waited over an hour as water trapped cars near Adeniji Adele Road. Traffic ground to a halt on key routes into the mainland islands.
Air Peace, Nigeria’s biggest local airline, warned passengers of flight delays at Lagos airport on Sunday and Monday. They said check-in staff and crews work extra shifts to keep schedules safe.
Schools in flooded zones closed early Monday. Officials said they’ll inspect buildings before letting pupils back. They urged parents to watch children around rainwater, which can hide blocked drains or debris.
The Lagos State Emergency Management Agency says its rescue boats stand by near low-lying areas. Volunteers and paramedics pair up to reach stranded families if roads stay submerged.
Last month, nine southern states faced heavy floods that displaced thousands. In June’s wider Nigeria floods, sudden dam releases upstream hit Niger State worst, killing over 150 people and harming farmers near Mokwa.
Climate experts warn Lagos may feel stronger storms as global temperatures rise. They link warmer seas to heavier rains around coastal West Africa in recent years.
City engineers ask residents to report blocked drains via a hotline. Workers check reports within two hours. They remind everyone not to dump waste in gutters, which can trap rainwater and stall traffic.
Fisherfolk along the Lagos Lagoon said tidal currents have grown stronger this season. That can push lagoon water into canals and streets, if drains can’t clear fast enough.
Officials urged motorists to avoid flooded spots and use higher routes where possible. They said security operatives will guide traffic and warn drivers off deep water at night.
Health officials warned against wading in dirty floodwater. They said it can carry bacteria and parasites. Those living near creek banks get extra mosquito risk after standing water pools.
The Red Cross and local NGOs handed out sandbags in Obalende, Ajah, and Surulere. They said a little barrier can ease water seepage into homes and stores.
Power lines fell in flooded estates, cutting electricity for some households. The state power team said they’ll restore service once roads clear enough to send crews safely.
Experts say better green spaces could soak more rain, easing the load on drains. Lagos plans to plant 10,000 trees by year’s end to boost rainwater absorption and cool city heat.
For now, residents can track weather updates on NiMet’s site and Lagos State’s Twitter page. Officials pledge to post road-closure lists and safety tips each morning until rains ease.
This rain may also push lagoon levels up by 0.5 m over tidal norms. That height can backflow into roads and homes near waterways if pump stations can’t cope.
The next 72 hours look busy for Lagos. Thunderstorms could drop another 100 mm in short bursts. Officials ask everyone to plan trips, keep lamps ready in case of power cuts, and stay indoors when rain peaks.
As flood season peaks, experts say calm minds and quick action save lives. The state has shown it can clear roads fast. Now it needs everyone’s help to stay safe and keep Lagos moving.