Flood alert: Lagos orders vulnerable residents to relocate

The Lagos State Government has advised residents living in low-lying and flood-prone communities to temporarily relocate to higher ground following a fresh flood warning issued by the Nigerian Hydrological Services Agency. The warning covers a seven-day period from September 19 to 25 and includes Lagos among 15 states identified as being at risk of flooding due to rising water levels and renewed rainfall. The state government said it was taking the alert seriously and had increased surveillance across riverine, coastal and other vulnerable communities. The Commissioner for the Environment and Water Resources, Tokunbo Wahab, urged residents in areas exposed to flooding to act before water levels rise. According to him, residents should not wait for flooding to occur before moving to safer locations, as early relocation could help prevent loss of lives and property. Communities identified as vulnerable The government identified several communities where residents are particularly exposed to the flood threat. They include Isheri North, Kara, Itowolo, Ajegunle, Majidun and Ogolonto, as well as parts of Agboyi and other settlements located downstream of Isheri Olofin. In a related advisory, other vulnerable locations identified by the state include parts of Eti-Osa, Lagos Island, Oke-Ira Nla in Ajah, Kirikiri, Ilaje Waterfront Jetty and Jetty Terminal B. Residents in these areas have been advised to move to safer, elevated locations and remain there while the heightened flood risk persists. Government intensifies monitoring The warning comes as Lagos enters another period of intensified rainfall, with the state's coastal location and extensive network of lagoons, rivers and waterways increasing its exposure to flooding. The state government said relevant agencies were monitoring vulnerable locations and water levels while maintaining preparedness for possible emergencies. The government has also continued to urge residents to avoid activities that can worsen flooding, particularly dumping refuse into drainage channels and obstructing waterways. Lagos residents have further been advised to exercise caution during heavy rainfall and avoid driving or walking through fast-moving or deep floodwater. NiHSA warning prompts action The relocation advice followed the latest flood alert from the Nigerian Hydrological Services Agency, which warned of increased flood risk in Lagos and other states. The agency's advisory is part of its ongoing monitoring of river levels and flood-prone areas across the country. For Lagos, the state government said the priority was to protect residents in communities most exposed to rising water levels. Wahab therefore urged affected residents to take the warning seriously and relocate early rather than wait until their homes and roads become inaccessible. The government said residents should continue monitoring official updates as the flood situation develops and follow safety instructions from emergency agencies. The latest warning comes after previous flooding incidents in parts of Lagos, where heavy rainfall has caused roads and residential areas to become waterlogged and, in some cases, disrupted electricity supply. Authorities are consequently urging residents in vulnerable locations to prioritise safety as the rainy season continues.