As a flooding disaster sweeps through many states in Nigeria, millions of Nigerians are experiencing hardship. Since the start of 2022, over 600 lives have been lost and over a million people have become homeless.
[Image source: Leadership Newspapers]
The recent wave of disasters has hit communities in Kogi, Adamawa, Anambra, Benue, Yobe, and many others. But similar ugly scenes may be about to play out in Lagos State.
A warning for Lagosians
The Lagos State Commissioner for the Environment and Water Resources, Tunji Bello, announced early in October that communities near the banks of the Ogun River are at risk of flooding. Other communities are also at risk due to the release of water from the overflowing Oyan Dam in Ogun State.
Which Lagos communities are at risk?
The Lagos State government said the following areas could be flooded at any moment:
- Ketu
- Alapere
- Agric
- Owode Onirin
- Ajegunle
- Alagbole
- Kara
- Isheri Olowora
- Araromi Otun Orisha community
- Agiliti
- Maidan
- Mile 12
- Odo Ogun
- Owode Elede
- Agboyi 1
- Agboyi II
- Agboyi III
What does this mean for affected Lagosians?
The most important move for residents of the affected areas is to relocate to safer, higher ground. But it’s unclear whether the government is providing temporary shelters for them.
For those that are unable to move ahead of time, it’s important to stay vigilant for any drastic change in the environment to ensure they’re not stranded. They should also always stay informed to get ahead of any potential disaster.