The Lagos State Government has directed residents in flood-prone communities to temporarily relocate to higher ground.
The Commissioner for Environment and Water Resources, Mr Tokunbo Wahab, gave the directive in a statement made available to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Monday in Lagos.
The statement was issued by the Director, Public Affairs, Mr Kunle Adeshina.
Wahab said the directive followed a fresh seven-day flood alert issued by the Nigerian Hydrological Services Agency.
He said the alert covered Lagos and 14 other states, warning that rising river levels could cause flooding in vulnerable communities.
According to the alert, flooding could affect schools, healthcare centres, markets, farms and places of worship in vulnerable communities.
Wahab listed vulnerable areas in Lagos as Eti-Osa, Lagos Island, Oke-Ira Nla in Ajah, Kirikiri, Ilaje Waterfront Jetty and Jetty Terminal B, among others.
The commissioner urged residents in affected communities not to wait until floodwaters rise before taking action.
“When the signs point to danger, the safest decision is to move early. No property is worth risking a life,” Wahab said.
He said the state government had intensified monitoring across riverine, low-lying and other flood-prone communities.
