The Lagos State Government has alerted residents of the State to be cautious as there will be growing incidences of thunderstorms leading to flash floods on many roads and streets in the metropolis.
Commissioner for the Environment, Mr. Tunji Bello, however advised residents not to panic as the flash floods are normal in cities like Lagos and would eventually clear up after the rain was to cease.
Bello said, “Whenever it rains heavily across the state, there is a rise in the Lagoon and ocean, which automatically locks up all the canals in the state. When the water in the ocean and Lagoon recedes, our canals will discharge into these water bodies.
“The after effect is that it takes a long time before water discharges into the Lagoon as well as the time it eliminates all backflows.
“However, it is pertinent to explain that water on the road after continuous rainfall is not flooding, but flash flood, which will definitely disappear in a matter of time because our canals are already functional.
“Lagosians are advised not to panic, but go about their business activities as our canals are regularly cleaned and maintained to contain storm water generated during the rains.
“But we advise our people, if possible, to stay off the roads when they don’t have a very serious cause to do so, in order not to be caught in the after-rain gridlock.”