Heavy rainfall has left several parts of Lagos submerged, causing widespread flooding on major roads and in residential areas, particularly along the Island axis.
The downpour, which lasted several hours, disrupted traffic, damaged properties, and forced many commuters to abandon vehicles and trek long distances.
Areas worst hit by the flooding include Mile 2, Lekki Phase 1, Lekki Expressway, 3rd Mainland Bridge, Ago Palace Way, Ayobo-Ipaja, Fola Osibo, and Sangotedo. Residents and eyewitnesses attributed the situation to blocked drainages and water channels, which worsened the flooding and slowed water evacuation.
An eyewitness stranded in traffic on the 3rd Mainland Bridge described the scene as frightening.The water was so bad on the 3rd Mainland Bridge that our bus nearly lost balance, and we all feared we would be dumped into the water,” the commuter said.
In Lekki, residents lamented the poor government response to the flooding. Stephen, a resident of the area, said the aftermath of the rain left the environment In a deplorable condition. “The rain started very early this morning, our roads are clear now. But the drainage is still filled with water. And there’s foul smell everywhere. I live in an estate and I’ve not seen any government intervention to mitigate the flooding. And the traffic here is crazy.
“I have been trying to book a ride to deliver an item, but nobody wants to come here. There’s road construction going on before you reach Abraham Adesanya. They should speed it up or pause the construction till the rainy days are over,” he said. Another resident in Orchid, who requested anonymity, said clogged drainage in the area had become breeding grounds for mosquitoes and other insects.
The flooding also triggered heavy gridlock across major Lagos roads, with commercial drivers struggling to navigate submerged routes and some abandoning trips altogether.Traffic officials were deployed to critical areas to ease movement, while authorities urged residents to desist from dumping refuse in drainage channels, warning that environmental laws would be strictly enforced to curb future incidents. (Daily Trust)
