The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) and the Lagos State Emergency Management Agency (LASEMA) have conducted a joint assessment of communities affected by recent flooding following three days of heavy rainfall across Lagos State.
According to a statement issued by NEMA on Thursday, the exercise covered selected communities in Alimosho, Ikeja, Kosofe and Lagos Island Local Government Areas to evaluate the extent of the damage, identify affected infrastructure and residents, assess immediate humanitarian needs, and recommend appropriate interventions to the Federal Government.
As part of the assessment, officials also sensitised residents on flood prevention measures, urging them to avoid indiscriminate dumping of refuse and to regularly clear drains, canals and stormwater channels to reduce the risk of future flooding.
Communities visited included Okeira in Ikeja, Oworonshoki and Gbagada in Kosofe, as well as Idumagbo Avenue and Jankara on Lagos Island.
The assessment team comprised officials of NEMA and LASEMA’s Operations Department.
The agencies found that prolonged and intense rainfall, combined with inadequate drainage systems, caused widespread flooding that affected homes, businesses and public infrastructure.
According to the findings, the floods damaged household property and business assets, disrupted commercial activities, rendered several roads temporarily impassable and displaced some residents.
NEMA sympathised with affected communities and reaffirmed its commitment to working with relevant stakeholders to ensure the assessment findings are forwarded to the appropriate authorities for necessary intervention.
The agency also urged residents to support flood mitigation efforts by keeping drainage channels free of waste, regularly desilting drains and avoiding activities that obstruct the natural flow of stormwater.
