MON AUG 04 2025-theGBJournal| Lagos on Monday faced life-threatening flash floods as Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) warned of ”above-normal” flood risk in several cities across the country.
Traffic disruptions were reported across the city amid heavy rain, and as the country approaches peak of the rainy season.
As much as three inches of rain per hour fell from late Sunday night through Monday, easily overwhelming drains and leading to deep water in streets and expressways in the city.
Mr. Tokunbo Wahab, Lagos State Commissioner, Ministry of the Environment and Water Resources, urged the city’s residence to remain clam, and assured that the State Government has built resilient systems in place to manage flash floods.
”But the sheer volume of rainfall may temporarily overwhelm some drainage channels,” he warned.
Mr. Wahab urged parents and guardians, to keep their children indoors during this holiday period.
”Swimming or playing in floodwater is extremely dangerous. I also appeal to motorists and pedestrians to avoid moving through flooded roads. Vehicles can be submerged, and lives can be lost.”
As a coastal city, Lagos is naturally vulnerable to tidal lock-up when rising water levels in the lagoon slow down the discharge of runoff. This is further worsened by climate change.
Wahab said the government is closely monitoring areas near rivers and lagoons, which are at higher risk of flash floods with strong currents.
Meanwhile, August is expected to bring increased rainfall intensity and frequency, especially in the extreme northern regions, NiMET warned.
The Meteorological Agency forecast above-normal rainfall for Sokoto, Zamfara, Jigawa, Katsina, Yobe, Borno, Kebbi, Kano, Bauchi, and Gombe States. Slightly below-normal rainfall is projected in parts of Taraba, southern Adamawa, and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).
It said Southwest may experience a brief dry spell in early August, with gradual recovery of rainfall expected later in the month.
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