The Lagos State Commissioner for Health, Prof. Akin Abayomi, has described flooding as a major public health emergency, warning that its impact extends beyond damaged infrastructure to increased disease outbreaks, displacement and disruption of essential services. Abayomi made this known in a statement via his official X handle on Friday……
The Lagos State Commissioner for Health, Prof. Akin Abayomi, has described flooding as a major public health emergency, warning that its impact extends beyond damaged infrastructure to increased disease outbreaks, displacement and disruption of essential services.
Abayomi made this known in a statement via his official X handle on Friday after visiting flood-affected communities across the state alongside Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, Deputy Governor Obafemi Hamzat, the Commissioner for the Environment and Water Resources, Tokunbo Wahab, and other government officials.
According to the commissioner, flooding poses significant health risks as floodwaters are often contaminated with sewage, chemicals and other pollutants that can trigger outbreaks of waterborne diseases.
“Flooding is not just an environmental event; it is a public health emergency that affects every aspect of people’s lives,” he said.
He noted that beyond destroying homes and roads, flooding disrupts access to healthcare, schools, workplaces and other essential services, while exposing residents to diseases such as cholera and typhoid, skin infections, injuries, snakebites and electrocution from submerged electrical installations.
Abayomi added that the psychological impact of flooding, including anxiety, uncertainty and emotional distress, could persist long after floodwaters have receded.
He said the effects of flooding are most severe among vulnerable groups, including older persons, children, pregnant women, nursing mothers and persons living with disabilities.
Reflecting on the government’s assessment visit, the commissioner said one of the most striking scenes was the use of canoes to transport residents across flooded streets.
“One striking sight was canoe operators ferrying residents, particularly older persons and those with mobility challenges, across flooded streets. While this demonstrates the resilience and ingenuity of Lagosians, it also highlights how deeply flooding disrupts daily life,” he said.
Abayomi said the Ministry of Health had intensified disease surveillance in affected communities, promoted safe water and sanitation practices, monitored for possible outbreaks of waterborne diseases and continued collaboration with relevant ministries to minimise flood-related health risks.
He also disclosed that the state had developed climate-resilient healthcare facility designs to withstand the increasing impact of flooding and extreme weather conditions.
According to him, the new healthcare infrastructure will feature low-carbon naturally cooled buildings elevated above projected flood levels, improved drainage systems, green roofs for stormwater management and rainwater harvesting, strict infection prevention measures and integrated solar power systems to ensure uninterrupted healthcare services during power outages.
“These facilities are designed to protect communities and remain operational for decades,” he said.
The commissioner advised residents to avoid contact with floodwaters, drink only safe or treated water, observe proper hand hygiene, disconnect electricity before entering flooded homes and promptly seek medical attention for symptoms such as diarrhoea, vomiting, fever or other signs of illness.
He stressed that addressing the health consequences of flooding requires collective action.
“Health is shaped not only by the care we provide in hospitals but also by the environments in which people live. Protecting Lagos from the health impacts of flooding requires government, communities, and residents to work together to build a safer, more resilient city,” Abayomi said.
