The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) has urged residents of Lagos State to adhere strictly to safety guidelines to minimise the risks associated with the ongoing heavy rainfall.
The Coordinator of NEMA’s Lagos Territorial Office, Mr Ibrahim Farinloye, issued the advisory during an interview with journalists on Tuesday in Lagos.
Farinloye advised motorists to park their vehicles and relocate to safer locations during intense downpours, warning against taking shelter in makeshift or temporary structures that may not withstand severe weather conditions.
He further urged residents living in low-lying areas to move to higher ground as a precautionary measure.
“Parents are advised not to send children on errands during periods of rainfall. Everyone should follow the guidance issued by public safety officials,” he stated.
“Stay alert to changing weather conditions and be prepared to relocate if necessary. It may be wise to postpone outdoor activities when heavy rain is forecast,” he added.
Farinloye also encouraged households to secure or remove outdoor items such as garden furniture, children’s toys, and waste bins, which could be swept away or damaged during flooding.
He recommended that residents unplug sensitive electrical appliances ahead of potential flooding, but warned against touching electrical devices while wet or standing in water. Items stored in basements should be elevated, and sump pumps should be checked to ensure they are functioning properly.
Additionally, he advised residents to clear street drains and catch basins to reduce the risk of localised flooding. Motorists were also warned against camping or parking near rivers, streams, and creeks, as such areas could flood rapidly with little or no warning.
The caution follows reports of widespread rainfall across Lagos over the past two days, which has resulted in flash flooding and damage to rooftops in several locations.
The Nigerian Meteorological Agency had previously issued a warning indicating that approximately 30 states—including Lagos—are at high risk of severe flooding as the rainy season progresses, prompting growing concern over the nation’s flood preparedness.
