[PHOTOS] NEMA, LASEMA Conduct Joint Flood Impact Assessment In Lagos

The assessment was carried out in selected communities within Alimosho, Ikeja, Kosofe, and Lagos Island Local Government Areas to evaluate the extent of damage, identify affected communities and infrastructure, document immediate humanitarian needs, and make appropriate recommendations to the Federal Government for necessary interventions.

The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), Lagos Operations Office, in collaboration with the Lagos State Emergency Management Agency (LASEMA), has conducted a joint flood impact assessment across communities affected by the recent three-day heavy rainfall in Lagos State.

A statement by NEMA on Thursday noted that the assessment was carried out in selected communities within Alimosho, Ikeja, Kosofe, and Lagos Island Local Government Areas to evaluate the extent of damage, identify affected communities and infrastructure, document immediate humanitarian needs, and make appropriate recommendations to the Federal Government for necessary interventions.

As part of the exercise, residents were sensitised on flood prevention measures, including the need to avoid indiscriminate dumping of refuse and to regularly desilt drains, canals, and stormwater channels to ensure the free flow of water and reduce the risk of future flooding.

Communities visited during the assessment included Okeira in Ikeja Local Government Area, Oworonshoki and Gbagada in Kosofe Local Government Area, as well as Idumagbo Avenue and Jankara in Lagos Island Local Government Area.

The joint assessment team comprised officials of NEMA, representatives of the Operations Department of LASEMA, including Olatunbosun Olukolade and Kabiri Birisiyu, alongside a crew from Television Continental (TVC).

Findings revealed that prolonged and intense rainfall, coupled with inadequate drainage systems, caused widespread flooding that affected residential buildings, commercial premises, and public infrastructure.

The incident damaged household property and business assets, disrupted economic activities, rendered several roads temporarily impassable, and temporarily displaced some residents.

NEMA sympathised with the affected communities and reaffirmed its commitment to working with relevant stakeholders to ensure that the assessment findings are forwarded to the appropriate authorities to facilitate necessary interventions.

The agency also urged residents to support flood mitigation efforts by keeping drainage channels free of refuse, regularly desilting drains, and avoiding activities that obstruct the natural flow of stormwater.