Amid rising cases of flash floods, the Lagos State Government has urged residents to avoid activities that can hinder the free flow of water.
The state Commissioner for Environment and Water Resources, Tokunbo Wahab, who stated this on Thursday, noted that global warming is real.
Global warming, which is also referred to as climate change, indicates an increasing global temperature effect on the lower atmosphere.
It refers to long-term shifts in temperatures and weather patterns, mainly driven by human activities.
Lagos is a coastal state. Wahab noted that Lagos is vulnerable, adding that the rising sea level threatens its very foundation.
According to him, the state needs robust flood defences, calling for a collective commitment to sustainable environmental practices.
He said: “Closer to home, here in Lagos, we stand at a crossroad. We are a vibrant city, a center of commerce and culture. But we are also vulnerable. The rising sea level threatens our very foundation.
“Now is the time to act. We need robust flood defenses, and a collective commitment to sustainable environmental practices. We must protect our infrastructure, our homes, and most importantly, our people.
“Global warming is real. Ensure you keep your environment clean at all times and do not engage in any activity that can hinder the free flow of water.”
The commissioner explained that cities across the world are facing a new reality, ranging from flash floods to towering tsunamis.
Wahab said that science has proven that the planet is warming, and this is causing erratic weather patterns and rising sea levels.
“The whispers are gone. Climate change is here, and the water is at our doors. From Mumbai to Miami, from Dubai to Dublin, from Argentina to Australia, Toronto to Texas, cities around the world are facing a new reality – a reality of ferocious flash floods and towering tsunamis.
“The science is clear. Our planet is warming, causing erratic weather patterns and rising sea levels. This translates to heavier rainfall, more powerful storms, and a growing threat to coastal communities. We’ve seen it recently, haven’t we?! The heart-wrenching images of entire neighbourhoods underwater, the desperate struggle for survival against the unforgiving current,” he added.
NewsNGR early this month REPORTED (link 1) how heavy rainfall, which lasted for about 10 hours, resulted in flash floods in areas such as Eredo, Bojije, Epe, Sangotedo, Ibeju-Lekki, Awoyaya, Labora, and Abijon.
Other areas affected include Iyana-Oworo, Agege, Ijegun-Isheri Osun and Gbagada.
The floods grounded vehicular movement, and led to the collapse of a two-storey building in the Mushin area of the state.
Also, a 61-year-old man, while wading through the floods around Orile-Iganmu, held on to a street light pole and got electrocuted.
Link 1
https://thewhistler.ng/after-flooding-lagos-issues-48-hour-quit-notice-to-property-owners-blocking-drainage-channels/