Heavy Rain Causes Flooding in Lagos, Strands Drivers

A heavy rain on Monday stopped business activities in many parts of Lagos. The flooding submerged vehicles and left drivers and commuters stuck in traffic on major roads.

The areas most affected were Ikoyi, Lekki, Victoria Island, and Oworonshoki. Floodwaters covered the roads and left many cars partially underwater.

Videos posted by commuters on social media showed long lines of cars that were not moving. Some drivers were stuck for hours. Pedestrians had to walk through knee-deep water to reach their destinations.

Many residents said this rain was one of the heaviest in recent weeks. They said it caused delays, disrupted movement, and lowered productivity across the state.

Nollywood actress Iyabo Ojo reacted to the flooding. She was shocked by the situation on Bourdillon Road. She posted a video on Galaxy Television’s Facebook page saying, "Oh, guys, see the Bourdillon."

In another video shared on YouTube by Television Continental, a frustrated driver talked about the flooding in Lagos. He said, “This is part of the menace we are experiencing in Lagos. Flash floods everywhere. I have been stuck in traffic for the past two hours.

“This is the simple reason everywhere is blocked. There is nowhere to go. We’ve all been stranded for the past two hours. Which way to go, Lagos? It is becoming crazy. Cars are submerged in water and people are trekking through the flood,” he shared.

Some commuters said the ongoing construction for the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway is to blame for the flooding. One passenger in a different video said, “This is the effect of the coastal road.”

Another video posted by Abel Kalu on X showed drivers carefully moving through a flooded road in Ikoyi. He wrote, “This is Ikoyi, Lagos. I can tell you for a fact that there are no drainage systems on these roads, and that is why it floods anytime it drizzles.”

Lagos State Commissioner for Environment and Water Resources, Tokunbo Wahab, spoke about the flooding. He said it was mainly due to a sharp increase in the lagoon water level.

In a statement on his X handle on Monday, Wahab explained that the lagoon rose by about a metre. This rise stopped stormwater from moving freely into it.

“The flooding currently being experienced in some parts of Lagos is largely attributable to a significant rise in the lagoon water level, which has increased by approximately one metre.

“This elevated lagoon level is impeding the effective discharge of stormwater from drainage channels into the lagoon, resulting in temporary flooding in some areas.

“As rainfall subsides and the lagoon water level gradually recedes, the accumulated stormwater on affected roads and streets is expected to drain off.

“We appeal to Lagosians to remain patient and exercise caution while the situation normalises. Relevant government agencies are closely monitoring developments and will continue to implement appropriate measures to mitigate the impact,” he said.

The National Emergency Management Agency’s Lagos Operations Office assessed the flood impact in Surulere communities after the rain.

According to a statement from the agency on Monday, this assessment was requested by the lawmaker for the area, Lanre Okunlola.

The assessment looked at Orile, Coker, Aguda, Itire, Ikate, and Ijesha communities. They aimed to find out how much damage was done, who was affected, and what immediate needs residents had.

NEMA reported that many homes and businesses were flooded. This led to damage to property, loss of livelihoods, and limited movement in the affected areas.

The agency said the flooding was mainly due to heavy rain, blocked drainage systems, and poor upkeep of drainage infrastructure.

Affected residents asked for food, relief materials, and better drainage systems to reduce future flooding.

“NEMA sympathised with the affected residents and assured them that the assessment findings would be forwarded to the appropriate authorities to facilitate necessary humanitarian intervention,” the agency said.

They also urged residents to keep drainage channels clear, avoid dumping waste anywhere, and report emergencies to the right authorities.