by Isi Esene

The Lagos State government has warned residents living in flood-prone areas in the state to prepare for massive flooding this year.

The state commissioner for environment, Tunji Bello gave this warning yesterday saying heavier rains and thunderstorms have been predicted by the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NIMET).

He mentioned Lagos residents living around Agiliti, Owode Onirin, Ajegunle, Aboru, Badiya, Arowojobe in Maryland, Elede, Iwaya, parts of Ketu, some areas in Ikorodu, some parts of Eti Osa, among others to relocate to avoid heavy rains which may affect them adversely.

According to the Bello, “It has been predicted that rainfall will commence in Lagos between the first and second week in March, with a margin of error of three days, as probable onset dates for year 2013 rainy season. This prediction is being further confirmed with the rains which has come in torrents on Saturday/Sunday 1-2 March, 2013 as well as 4 Monday, 2013 respectively.

“It has also been predicted that the end of season for year 2013 rainfall is 17 December, 2013, with a margin error of four days, which is between 13 and 21 December, 2013 as probable days.

“From the year 2013 seasonal rainfall predictions, Lagos State shall experience a rainy season of about 249-275 days with intermittent stoppage in February and August. The magnitude of Lagos seasonal rainfall prediction for this year is that Lagos will experience heavy rainfall of high intensity, with thunderstorms just like last year,” Bello stated.

He reportedly advised the people against indiscriminate dumping of refuse in unauthorised area like drains and canals.

“Illegal building of structures on drainage alignments, road setbacks and verges remains prohibited. We should not patronise cart pushers who will end up dumping the waste inside canals,” he advised.