Torrential rains that began in the early hours of Wednesday have wreaked havoc across Lagos, submerging homes, crippling major roads, and leading to the collapse of a newly constructed building.
The deluge has left residents in distress, with many waking up to find their homes and vehicles submerged, and their daily routines disrupted.
Widespread Flooding Across Lagos
From Surulere to Ikoyi, and from Lekki to Ajah, nearly every part of Lagos has been affected. Major roads, including the Iyana-Oworonshoki link to the Third Mainland Bridge, LASU/Iba-Ojo road, Awolowo Road in Ikeja, Apapa-Gbagada expressway, and the Lagos-Ibadan highway, were heavily flooded, making them impassable.
“Flash floods have caused severe disruptions. Our team has been deployed to clear these areas,” said Tokunbo Wahab, Commissioner for Environment and Water Resources.
However, despite efforts, the flooding has caused significant gridlock and discomfort for commuters.
Building Collapse in Mushin
In a tragic development, a newly constructed two-storey building at No 12 Cameroun Street off Ewenla in the Mushin area collapsed due to the incessant rains.
The Lagos State Emergency Management Agency (LASEMA) confirmed that seven people, including three females and four males, were rescued from the rubble and rushed to the hospital.
“The rescue team has searched the rubble and can confirm that there is no victim underneath the collapsed building. The area has been cordoned off,” stated Dr. Olufemi Oke-Osanyintolu, Permanent Secretary of LASEMA.
Ogun State Also Affected
The heavy rains did not spare Ogun State, where major roads became inaccessible, stranding pupils and office workers.
Videos shared by residents showed school children struggling to navigate flooded streets, and a newly constructed bridge submerged under the weight of the rainwater.
“Ogun State this morning. Students cannot go to school and workers cannot go to work,” lamented Hauwa Allahbura, a resident, in a post on X.
Residents in Distress
The Shadia Estate in Sholuyi, Gbagada, has been severely affected, with many houses submerged.
An X user, #MyGbagada, shared a video showing the extent of the flooding, calling for urgent action to clear the stagnant canals causing the overflow.
“Shadia Estate by the canal is totally flooded, and most houses are submerged because the canal had been stagnant and is overflowing back into the road and houses,” the user wrote.
Government’s Response
Commissioner Tokunbo Wahab has assured residents that the situation will be addressed promptly.
“This will be addressed soon,” he wrote, responding to the outcry on social media.
The torrential rains have underscored the need for improved infrastructure and flood management systems in Lagos and its environs.
As the state grapples with the aftermath of the floods, residents are calling for swift action to prevent further damage and ensure their safety.