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Tag: Flooding

  • Lagos Floods Leave Homes, Roads Underwater as Heavy Rain Disrupts Movement Across City

    Heavy rainfall has triggered widespread flooding across several parts of Lagos State, leaving major roads, homes and businesses submerged as residents grapple with another round of disruptions during the rainy season.

    The flooding, which followed intense downpours in late June 2026, affected communities including Lekki, Gbagada, Iyana Ipaja, Ikeja, Maryland, Mushin, Ogudu, Oshodi, Agege, Alimosho and Obalende, while sections of major highways also became impassable.

    Roads and homes submerged

    Several motorists were stranded as floodwaters overtook key roads, forcing commuters to abandon their vehicles or trek through flooded streets. In Ajiran, Lekki, floodwaters entered residential buildings, leaving many families counting their losses.

    Residents also reported business disruptions as shops remained inaccessible in some of the affected communities.

    Watch one of the scenes from the flooding here:

     

    Why Lagos keeps flooding

    Lagos has continued to experience seasonal flooding because of its low-lying coastal location, rapid urbanisation, inadequate drainage infrastructure and blocked waterways.

    Environmental experts have also linked the situation to increasing rainfall intensity driven by changing climate patterns, while illegal developments on floodplains have worsened water flow in several parts of the state.

    Officials noted that rainfall recorded so far this year has already reached between 700mm and 900mm, with forecasts suggesting even heavier rains before the end of the rainy season.

    Government urges residents to remain cautious

    The Lagos State Government has repeatedly appealed to residents to avoid dumping refuse into drainage channels and to stay away from flood-prone areas during periods of heavy rainfall.

    Commissioner for Environment and Water Resources, Tokunbo Wahab, has previously said the government is carrying out continuous drainage desilting and investing in flood control infrastructure, although many residents insist more needs to be done.

    Despite ongoing interventions, the latest flooding has renewed concerns over the city’s preparedness as more rainfall is expected in the coming weeks.

    Another video showing the flooding can be viewed here:

     

  • FG Warns Lagos, Rivers, 17 Other States Over Imminent Flash Flooding

    The Federal Government, through the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet), has warned that 19 states across Nigeria may experience flash flooding following heavy early rains.

    NiMet issued the advisory on Thursday, stating that dry and hardened soil surfaces could increase runoff and prevent rainwater from properly soaking into the ground.

    19 states listed in NiMet advisory

    The agency listed the affected states as Zamfara, Nasarawa, Kwara, Oyo, Lagos, Ogun, Ekiti, Delta, Imo, Anambra, Enugu, Ebonyi, Akwa Ibom, Cross River, Rivers, Edo, Ondo and Bayelsa.

    According to NiMet, the weather condition may trigger flooded roads, traffic disruptions, destruction of homes and farmlands, as well as damage to public infrastructure.

    The agency also warned of possible blocked drainage systems, power outages, telecommunication disruptions and increased risks of injuries and water-borne diseases.

    Residents advised to stay alert

    NiMet urged residents in vulnerable areas to clear blocked drainages and remain updated with weather and flood alerts.

    Motorists and pedestrians were also warned against driving or walking through flooded roads and waterways.

    “An informed community is a prepared community. Know the risks and act early,” the agency stated.

    FG had earlier raised nationwide flood concerns

    The latest advisory comes weeks after the Federal Government warned that over 14,000 communities across 33 states and the Federal Capital Territory could face severe flooding in 2026.

    The earlier flood-risk alert included states such as Lagos, Rivers, Kogi, Benue, Bayelsa, Delta, Ogun, Ondo, Oyo and several others across the country.

    Authorities have now called on emergency agencies, state governments and relevant stakeholders to strengthen preparedness and response measures ahead of peak rainfall periods.