Key Points
- Tokunbo Wahab apologised to residents for the disruptions caused by the flooding.
- A 10-hour downpour paralysed business and commercial activities in Lagos.
- Collapsed two-storey building in Mushin injured seven.
- Severe flooding in areas like Iyana-Oworo, Agege, Ijegun-Isheri Osun, Gbagada, Lagos Island, Eredo, Bojije, Epe, Sangotedo, Ibeju-Lekki, Awoyaya, Labora, and Abijon.
- Schools closed due to hazardous road conditions, particularly in White Sand Estate, Isheri-Osun.
- Many residents trapped in homes.
- Difficulty for children to attend school due to impassable roads.
- Business centres and shopping malls remained closed as of midday.
- Severe traffic congestion with broken-down vehicles.
- Tokunbo Wahab explained the natural causes of the flood and the government’s mitigation efforts.
- Deployment of Emergency Flood Abatement Gang teams.
- Urged residents to report activities blocking drainage systems.
The Lagos State Commissioner of the Environment and Water Resources, on Thursday, apologised to residents of the state following the flooding incident that happened in the state on Wednesday.
A 10-hour downpour brought business and commercial activities to a halt in many parts of Lagos State on Wednesday. The resulting flooding caused significant disruptions, including the collapse of a two-storey building in the Mushin area of Lagos, immobilising traffic, and overwhelming thousands of residents. Students in affected areas were unable to attend school.
Impact on Lagos
The Iyana-Oworo, Agege, Ijegun-Isheri Osun, Gbagada, and Lagos Island areas of the state witnessed significant flooding of roads and homes. Other heavily affected locations included Eredo, Bojije, Epe, Sangotedo, Ibeju-Lekki, Awoyaya, Labora, and Abijon.
In the Mushin area, a newly constructed two-storey building on Cameroon Road collapsed, injuring seven people. Olufemi Oke-Osanyintolu, Permanent Secretary of the Lagos State Emergency Management Authority (LASEMA), confirmed that all seven victims were rescued and taken to a nearby hospital.
Disruption in Education
Students in White Sand Estate, Isheri-Osun, in Alimosho Local Government Area, were particularly affected, with schools closing due to hazardous road conditions. Flooding in White Sand Estate is a recurring issue, exacerbated by poor roads, inadequate drainage systems, and a lack of maintenance.
Residents’ Struggle
Many residents were trapped in their homes, unable to move due to the flooding. Layo, a parent, told Arbiterz about how she encountered difficulty in getting her children to school, stating that the school bus could not work because of the flood.
Many could not go to their workplaces and places of business were disserted owing to the disruptions caused by the flood.
Arbiterz visited some parts of Ikorodu and observed that several business centres and shopping malls had yet to open for business as of the time of visiting at past midday.
Disruptions in Daily Life
The downpour caused severe traffic congestion, with broken-down vehicles exacerbating the situation. In Ikeja, stranded commuters sought shelter while waiting for commercial buses. Fare hikes were reported, with trips from Ogba to Ikeja increasing from N300 to N700.
Incidents of Extortion
A viral video showed hoodlums extorting residents, demanding a N100 levy for access to an alternate route under the Trade Fair bridge in the Ojo area. The Lagos State Environmental Sanitation Corps arrested several individuals involved in the extortion.
Calls for Government Action
Residents across the state are calling for urgent government intervention. Dayo, a resident of Lagos, described the flooding as a yearly nightmare and pleaded for better drainage systems. The flooding also caused significant traffic disruptions, with commercial vehicles increasing fares and some drivers refusing to operate.
Official Response
Tokunbo Wahab, who spoke when he appeared on Arise TV’s Morning Show on Thursday, monitored by our correspondent, begged residents of the state to bear with the government, stating that it was a natural disaster.
Wahab explained that the recent heavy rains have raised the Lagos lagoon’s water level, leading to flash floods, adding that Emergency Flood Abatement Gang teams have been deployed to clear blockages in key areas.
“My first speech is to apologise to Lagosians for the disruption caused by nature yesterday. We had a 10-hour nonstop rain, and the tidal level was up. So, the tidal level for the lagoon and the sea was up to the extent that the rainwater was unable to discharge for about one or two hours into the lagoon and the sea,” Wahab said.
The commissioner added that the state government was doing everything within its to mitigate the effect of flooding in the state.
He urged residents of the state to collaborate with the government as whistleblowers whenever they see anyone in the act of blocking the state’s drainage system.
Wahab concluded, “Please, Lagosians, we are sorry for what happened yesterday. It was not intended. Nature took its course. Take ownership. See something, say something.”
The Impact of Flooding on Productivity and the Economy: A Global Perspective
Flooding, a common natural disaster, has increasingly become a significant threat to global productivity and economic stability. Wednesday’s downpour in Lagos, which led to widespread flooding, provides a vivid illustration of the multifaceted impact of such events.
Lagos State: A Case Study
Extent of Damage
Lagos, one of Africa’s largest and most populous cities, experienced severe flooding on July 3, 2024. The torrential rains led to the submergence of various neighbourhoods.
Reports indicated that several houses were severely affected, with significant property damage in both residential and commercial sectors. Shops and warehouses reported the destruction of goods worth millions of Naira, which exacerbated the financial burden on business owners already struggling in a challenging economic climate.
Traffic and Mobility Disruptions
Flood-induced traffic congestion was a major issue in Lagos following the downpour. Key roads were inundated, causing massive delays and forcing commuters to abandon their vehicles. Critical transit points were similarly affected, leading to a significant slowdown in the movement of people and goods.
These mobility disruptions directly impacted productivity as employees were unable to reach their workplaces on time, and logistics operations were severely hampered.
Economic Impact
The economic ramifications of the flooding were profound. Businesses faced immediate losses due to the destruction of property and stock. For example, a trader in the Trade Fair area reported losing newly stocked goods, while another business owner in Ojo saw his electronics warehouse devastated by water damage.
Beyond these direct losses, the broader economic impact included reduced consumer spending as affected individuals focused on recovery and repairs, leading to a slowdown in local economic activities.
Health and Safety Concerns
Flooding poses serious health risks due to the potential spread of water-borne diseases and the creation of breeding grounds for mosquitoes. In Lagos, the contamination of water supplies and the destruction of sanitation facilities increased the risk of diseases such as cholera and malaria.
This public health crisis can further strain the productivity of the affected population, as illness and health-related absenteeism become more prevalent.
Global Perspective
Flooding in the United States
The United States, particularly regions along the Gulf Coast and in the Midwest, frequently experiences flooding due to hurricanes and heavy rains. The 2017 Hurricane Harvey is a notable example, which caused catastrophic flooding in Houston, Texas. The economic impact was staggering, with estimated damages of around $125 billion.
Businesses were forced to shut down, and the transportation network was paralysed, leading to a significant drop in productivity. The agriculture sector was also hit hard, with crop losses affecting food supply chains nationwide.
Flooding in Europe
Europe is not immune to the effects of flooding. In July 2021, severe floods affected Germany, Belgium, and other parts of Western Europe. The floods resulted in over 200 deaths and caused billions of euros in damages. The industrial heartlands of Germany saw factories and infrastructure severely damaged, leading to production halts and supply chain disruptions. The economic impact was extensive, with immediate repair and recovery costs compounded by long-term losses in productivity.
Flooding in South Asia
South Asia, particularly countries like India, Bangladesh, and Nepal, faces seasonal monsoon flooding. In 2020, severe monsoon rains led to extensive flooding in India, affecting millions of people and causing significant economic disruption. The agricultural sector, which is a major part of the economy in these regions, was particularly hard hit, with crop losses leading to food shortages and increased prices. Urban areas like Mumbai experienced severe disruptions in transportation and business activities, mirroring the situation in Lagos.
Comparative Analysis: Lagos and Global Examples
Infrastructure and Urban Planning
One common thread in the impact of flooding across different regions is the role of infrastructure and urban planning.
In Lagos, inadequate drainage systems and rapid urbanisation without corresponding infrastructure development have exacerbated the impact of flooding. Similarly, in Houston, the lack of proper urban planning to account for natural water flow and the encroachment of developments into flood-prone areas worsened the impact of Hurricane Harvey.
In contrast, European countries have been investing in flood defences and urban planning to mitigate such risks, although extreme weather events continue to challenge these measures.
Economic Vulnerability
The economic vulnerability of regions affected by flooding varies significantly. In Lagos and other parts of Nigeria, the informal economy is large, and many small businesses lack insurance or financial buffers to absorb the shock of natural disasters. This contrasts with more developed economies like the United States and Germany, where businesses are more likely to have insurance and access to government support.
However, the sheer scale of disasters like Hurricane Harvey and the 2021 European floods demonstrates that even well-prepared economies can suffer significant economic disruptions.
Health Implications
Health implications are a critical aspect of the impact of flooding. In Lagos, the spread of water-borne diseases and the strain on healthcare facilities are immediate concerns following a flood event. In contrast, while the health impacts in the United States and Europe are also significant, these regions typically have more robust healthcare systems to respond to such crises. Nevertheless, the psychological and long-term health effects, such as increased incidence of respiratory diseases due to mold exposure, are concerns shared across all affected regions.
Long-Term Solutions and Mitigation Strategies
Infrastructure Development
Investing in robust infrastructure is crucial to mitigating the impact of flooding. In Lagos, this includes developing efficient drainage systems, constructing flood barriers, and implementing sustainable urban planning practices that consider natural water flow patterns.
Similar strategies have been employed in European cities, where significant investments in flood defences and early warning systems have helped reduce the impact of severe weather events.
Policy and Governance
Effective policy and governance are essential in managing flood risks. In Lagos, enforcing regulations against illegal construction on floodplains and ensuring that existing drainage systems are regularly maintained are critical steps.
Globally, countries like the Netherlands have implemented comprehensive flood management policies that include land use planning, emergency response plans, and continuous investment in water management infrastructure.
Community Engagement and Education
Engaging communities in flood preparedness and response can significantly reduce the impact of flooding. In Lagos, community-driven initiatives to clean and maintain drainages and educate residents about flood risks can complement government efforts. In the United States, community involvement in emergency response plans and disaster drills has proven effective in enhancing resilience.
Climate Change Adaptation
Climate change is a significant driver of increased flood risks globally. Adapting to this new reality requires integrating climate considerations into all aspects of planning and development.
For Lagos, this means not only improving immediate infrastructure but also planning for long-term changes in weather patterns and sea-level rise. Globally, this involves international cooperation and investment in research and development of new technologies to predict and mitigate the impacts of extreme weather events.
Conclusion
The flooding in Lagos on July 3, 2024, serves as a microcosm of a global challenge. The economic and productivity impacts of such events are profound and multifaceted, affecting everything from daily commutes to long-term economic stability.
By examining the experiences of Lagos alongside global examples, it becomes clear that while the challenges are significant, they are not insurmountable. Through a combination of robust infrastructure development, effective policy and governance, community engagement, and climate change adaptation, it is possible to mitigate the impact of flooding and build more resilient societies.
