Lagos Flooded as Torrential Rain Submerges Homes, Knocks Out Power, Disrupts Movement

Hours of heavy rainfall on Tuesday left several communities across Lagos State under water, flooding homes and major roads, disrupting traffic, and causing electricity outages after critical power infrastructure was affected.

The widespread flooding impacted communities including FESTAC, Gbagada, Ikeja, Ajah, Victoria Island, Lekki, Mushin, Mafoluku, Evans, Olushi, Anikantamo, Adeniji Adele, and other parts of Lagos Island, forcing residents to wade through flooded streets while motorists struggled to navigate submerged roads.

Residents in several affected neighbourhoods reported that floodwaters entered homes and business premises, compelling some families to temporarily relocate as fears grew over worsening conditions.

The situation was aggravated by blocked drainage channels filled with plastic waste and inadequate drainage infrastructure, leaving many roads submerged in knee-deep water.

Residents blame blocked drains, poor road construction

Speaking on the flooding in Ikeja, resident Abidemi Raji blamed the recurring problem on poor road design and obstructed drainage systems.

According to him, although drainage channels exist, it often takes between 30 minutes and one hour after rainfall for the floodwaters to recede due to the large volume of water.

Raji further alleged that a drainage channel linking the area to another street was blocked after the construction of a hotel, worsening the flooding experienced by residents.

“There is supposed to be a channel connecting this compound to the next street, but the back passage was blocked after the hotel was built. That has worsened the flooding,” he said.

FESTAC residents stranded

In the FESTAC area of Amuwo-Odofin Local Government, heavy flooding submerged major roads and inner streets, leaving commuters and motorists stranded.

Resident Okeke Mmesoma described the situation as a familiar ordeal whenever heavy rain falls.

She lamented that her shoes were soaked while heading to work and noted that many motorists avoided the flooded roads to prevent vehicle damage, while commuters delayed their journeys to avoid being drenched.

Flooding was also reported in Ajah, as well as Adeniji Adele, Evans, Olushi and Anikantamo on Lagos Island.

Flooding knocks out electricity

The heavy rainfall also disrupted electricity supply after floodwaters damaged facilities at the Oworo 132/33kV Transmission Station.

In a public notice, Ikeja Electric disclosed that severe flooding affected two power transformers and several 33kV feeders serving multiple communities.

Areas impacted include Ladilak, Bariga, Araromi, Oworo, Pedro, GTB, Alapere, Agboyi, Araba, Hospital and Gbagada.

The electricity distribution company said it was collaborating with the Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) to restore normal power supply as soon as damaged facilities become operational.

Ogun residents also affected

The flooding extended into neighbouring Ogun State, where residents of Gloryland Estate, Ibafo, appealed to the state government for urgent intervention.

Community Development Association member Oladipupo Awoyemi blamed the recurring flooding on blocked drainage channels connected to the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway.

According to him, indiscriminate construction, blocked waterways and refuse dumping have significantly worsened the annual flooding.

He said the floods have damaged buildings, disrupted businesses, restricted movement and forced several families to temporarily abandon their homes during the rainy season.

“Years ago, the flooding was not this severe because water flowed freely. Today, many canals have been blocked by buildings and factories, while refuse dumped into the drains has made the situation worse,” Awoyemi stated.

Sanwo-Olu approves dredging of 28 drainage channels

In response to the flooding, Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu has approved the dredging of 28 additional primary drainage channels across the state to strengthen flood control measures.

The Commissioner for the Environment and Water Resources, Tokunbo Wahab, disclosed the approval in a statement issued through the ministry’s spokesperson, Kunle Adeshina.

Wahab described Tuesday’s rainfall as an extreme weather event that overwhelmed existing drainage infrastructure, leading to temporary flooding in Victoria Island, Lekki, Ikeja, Gbagada, Mushin, Mafoluku and several other communities.

He explained that Lagos’ coastal geography, characterised by lagoons, rivers and tidal water bodies, naturally slows the discharge of stormwater into the Atlantic Ocean during high tide, making temporary flooding unavoidable after exceptionally heavy rainfall.

The Commissioner assured residents that government agencies were actively monitoring flood-prone areas while emergency response teams remained on standby to assist affected communities.

He also urged residents to stop dumping refuse into drainage channels, desist from illegal reclamation of wetlands and avoid constructing buildings on drainage alignments, warning that such practices worsen flooding.

Motorists were advised not to drive through flooded roads, while residents living in vulnerable communities were encouraged to comply with weather advisories and safety guidelines issued by relevant authorities.