A 10-hour downpour on Wednesday caused widespread disruption in Lagos and Ogun states, halting business activities and flooding numerous areas. The heavy rainfall led to the collapse of a two-story building in Mushin, Lagos, and resulted in severe traffic gridlock that left many residents stranded and unable to go about their daily routines.
Building Collapse and Rescue Efforts
In Mushin, a newly constructed two-story building on Cameroon Road collapsed due to the relentless rain, injuring seven people. The Lagos State Emergency Management Authority (LASEMA) quickly responded, rescuing three females and four males from the rubble. Olufemi Oke-Osanyintolu, the Permanent Secretary of LASEMA, attributed the collapse to the inclement weather and confirmed that no additional victims were trapped under the debris.
Flooded Streets and Disrupted Transportation
The flooding severely affected transportation, submerging major roads and making them impassable. Areas like Berger, Ikeja, Ogba, and Iyana-Oworo experienced significant flooding, with streets and houses inundated by water. In Ogun State, places such as Atan-Ota, Aseese, and Ifo saw major roads submerged, leaving passengers stranded.
Residents in White Sand Estate, Isheri-Osun, one of the hardest-hit areas, reported severe flooding that trapped many in their homes and forced schools to close. A parent, Atinuke, praised the school management for their decision to prioritize student safety by postponing exams and closing the school.
Community Impact and Reactions
Many residents expressed frustration over the recurring flooding, calling for government intervention to improve drainage systems. John Adewale, a resident of White Sand Estate, lamented that the area experiences severe flooding every rainy season, making life difficult for the community.
The heavy rains also caused fare hikes in public transportation, with bus and tricycle drivers increasing their rates due to the challenging driving conditions. A viral video showed hoodlums extorting residents in the Ojo area, demanding a N100 levy to access an alternate route. The Lagos State Environmental Sanitation Corps later arrested the miscreants involved.
Government Response and Safety Advisories
The Lagos State government, represented by Environment Commissioner Tokunbo Wahab, reassured residents that efforts were underway to address the flooding. The government deployed the Emergency Flood Abatement Gang to clear blockages in critical areas and urged residents in low-lying regions to relocate temporarily to higher grounds.
In Ogun State, Environment Commissioner Ola Oresanya echoed similar sentiments, advising residents to be cautious and ensure proper maintenance of drainage systems. He emphasized that the floodwaters would recede naturally within a few hours after the rain stopped.
Broader Regional Impact
The torrential rains also affected other states, including Edo, Ekiti, Ondo, and Anambra. In Edo State, significant flooding disrupted vehicular movement in several areas. Ekiti State experienced light rain showers that disrupted commercial activities, while in Ondo State, the downpour slowed economic activities without causing major flooding. Anambra State saw severe gridlock on the Onitsha-Owerri Road, compounded by extortion from naval officers at a checkpoint.
As the region continues to recover from this latest bout of severe weather, residents and authorities alike are calling for long-term solutions to mitigate the impact of heavy rains and improve infrastructure resilience.
