Lagos Downpour Paralyses Business Activities as Floods Submerge Vehicles, Leave Motorists Stranded
Commercial and economic activities were disrupted across several parts of Lagos on Monday July 13 after a torrential rainfall triggered widespread flooding, leaving motorists, commuters and residents stranded while causing severe traffic congestion on major roads across the state.
Global Mirror News gathered that the worst-hit locations included Ikoyi, Lekki, Victoria Island and Oworonshoki, where floodwaters overtook major roads, partially submerged vehicles and forced many commuters to abandon their cars and trek through knee-deep water to reach their destinations.
Videos circulating on social media showed long queues of stationary vehicles as many motorists remained trapped in traffic for hours. Several pedestrians were also seen wading through floodwaters, while business owners lamented losses caused by the disruption.
Residents described the rainfall as one of the heaviest experienced in recent weeks, noting that it delayed business operations, restricted movement and significantly affected productivity across the commercial hub.
Among those who reacted to the flooding was Nollywood actress Iyabo Ojo, who expressed shock after witnessing the situation along Bourdillon Road in Ikoyi.
“Oh, guys, see the Bourdillon,” she exclaimed while recording the flooded road.
Another motorist, speaking in a viral video, decried the recurring flood situation in Lagos, saying he had remained trapped in traffic for more than two hours.
He lamented that flash floods had become a regular occurrence, leaving roads impassable, vehicles submerged and commuters with no option but to trek through flooded streets.
Some residents blamed the persistent flooding on ongoing construction linked to the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway, alleging that the project had contributed to drainage challenges in affected areas.
Another resident, who shared footage from Ikoyi, alleged that the absence of effective drainage infrastructure was responsible for the repeated flooding whenever rainfall occurred.
Responding to the situation, the Lagos State Commissioner for Environment and Water Resources, Tokunbo Wahab, attributed the flooding to a significant rise in the lagoon water level.
According to him, the lagoon had risen by approximately one metre, preventing stormwater from draining efficiently through existing channels into the lagoon.
He explained that the temporary flooding resulted from the elevated water level, expressing optimism that floodwaters would recede once rainfall subsided and the lagoon level dropped.
The Commissioner appealed to residents to remain calm, exercise caution while commuting and cooperate with government agencies monitoring the situation and implementing mitigation measures.
Meanwhile, the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), Lagos Operations Office, carried out a flood impact assessment in Surulere following requests for intervention from the lawmaker representing the constituency, Lanre Okunlola.
The assessment covered Orile, Coker, Aguda, Itire, Ikate and Ijesha communities to evaluate the extent of the flooding, identify affected households and determine urgent humanitarian needs.
NEMA disclosed that several homes and business premises were inundated, leading to damage to household property, disruption of livelihoods and restricted movement within the affected communities.
The Agency identified heavy rainfall, blocked drainage channels and poor maintenance of drainage infrastructure as major factors responsible for the flooding.
Affected residents appealed for relief materials, food supplies and comprehensive drainage improvements to reduce the impact of future flooding.
NEMA sympathised with victims and assured them that its findings would be forwarded to the appropriate authorities to facilitate necessary humanitarian assistance. The Agency also advised residents to keep drainage channels free from refuse, avoid indiscriminate waste disposal and promptly report emergencies to relevant authorities.
