The Lagos State Government has warned Lagosians to be prepared for heavier and unusual rainfall which may be accompanied by massive flood.
PUNCH
The Lagos State Commissioner for Environment and Water Resources Tokunbo Wahab, has disclosed that the state will experience abnormal rainfall in 2024.
According to Wahab, a total of 1,936.2 mm predicted rainfall has been predicted for the state.
He revealed this at a news conference on 2024 seasonal climate predictions and socio-economic implications for Lagos State, recently.
He said, “The average annual rainfall predicted for 2024 was 1,936.2 mm, which was greater than the long-term average of 1,721.48 mm with the onset date expected to be the first week of April and ceasing in the first week of December.”
According to Wahab, Ikeja is expected to have an onset date of April 4 and cessation date of December 4, with a high annual amount of 1,900 mm rainfall, while Badagry would have a rainfall onset date of April 1 and cessation date of December 5, resulting 1,978 mm rainfall for the year.
He added, “Ikorodu is expected to have a rainfall onset date of April 4 and cessation date of December 4, totalling an annual amount of 1,903 mm. Lagos Island would have a rainfall onset date of April 3, a cessation date of December 4, and an annual amount of 1936 mm. Also, Epe is expected to have a rainfall onset date of April 2, a cessation date of December 5, and an annual amount of 1952 mm.”
The commissioner noted that below-normal rainfall was anticipated in the first half of the rainy season, while normal to above-normal rainfall was expected in the second half of the rainy season.
Speaking on the ministry’s collaboration with NiMet on seasonal climate prediction, Wahab remarked that the partnership had been valuable as a vital weather and early warning tool for farmers, decision-makers, operators of the various sectors, and businesses likely to be impacted by the annual rainfall.
“The government has plans to downscale the seasonal climate prediction to stakeholders and emergency workers in the state. In addition, the state has deployed and maintained its network of weather stations and river gauge stations to monitor the weather and river levels in the state and increase preparedness for weather and flood-related issues.
“We want to assure you that our state will continue to reap the benefits of careful and rigorous execution planning, as our flood control measures are stepped up to contain any imminent rainfall. The ministry has embarked on an all-year-round drainage maintenance programme for effective and efficient flood control, in addition to an efficient and sustainable solid waste management system,” Wahab declared.
He noted that to effectively contain flooding in the state, the government was determined to maintain a partnership with the Ogun-Osun River Basin Authority.
He assured that the rainfall from neighbouring Ogun, Oyo, and Osun States, dam release, and river water levels into the state would also be monitored.
