Lagos, Nigeria’s bustling capital, was recently the scene of an emergency evacuation due to heavy rains and flooding that affected several areas of the city. According to information provided by Farinloye, a preliminary assessment revealed that 23 houses had to be evacuated in Oke Ishagun, 35 houses were affected in Isale Aboru, 29 in Ikola Community and 15 in Olubodun Majiyagbe-Ajayi.
Other areas were also impacted, such as Makinde Street with 12 houses affected, Olokowo Street with 16 houses and Adeola Street with 21 houses affected, to name a few.
As part of managing this situation, the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), in collaboration with relevant state ministries, departments and agencies, is making efforts to mitigate the impact of the flood on the affected residents. Lagos State authorities have also demonstrated their commitment to strengthening security measures for residents.
Farinloye highlighted that the heavy rains observed recently, combined with the downpours of the previous week, are a foreshadow of what could be expected during the 2024 rainy season. He highlighted the importance of adopting risk reduction strategies disasters and respect precautionary measures against flood-related disasters.
Meanwhile, the Director General of NEMA, Alhaji Mustapha Habib Ahmed, urged Nigerians to clear and clean their gutters, emphasizing the need for Community Development Associations (CDAs) to coordinate actions aimed at creating cleaner environments. sure.
Ahmed also called on local authorities to sanction businesses that block gutters around their premises, and to prosecute residents who throw waste into gutters, in accordance with existing environmental laws.
This situation highlights the critical need for adequate urban planning, increased awareness of disaster risk management and close collaboration between authorities, local organizations and citizens to prevent and mitigate the effects of disasters. natural disasters. The safety and well-being of residents must be a top priority to ensure communities are resilient to future climate challenges.