BEVERLY HILLS, March 11, (THEWILL) – The Lagos State Government has asked residents of the state to get ready for a rainfall period of over 200 days saying that the maximum annual rainfall is predicted to be 1,750mm.
Lagos State Commissioner for Environment, Tunji Bello revealed this when he had a Press Briefing on the Year 2020 Seasonal Rainfall Predictions and prevention of flooding in the State.
The information, he said, was gotten from the Nigerian Meteorological Services (NIMET) which revealed the earliest onset of rainfall will be March 17th while it is expected to cease the earliest on November 22nd in Surulere, while others will follow later.
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“Ikeja is expected to have about 1526mm, while that of Badagry is 1750mm, Lagos Island with 1714mm, Ikorodu with 1690mm and Epe with 1730mm of rainfall.
“Lagos Island was expected to have a rainfall onset date of 19th March with an error margin of three days, while its cessation date is expected to be 26th of November,” he stated.
He noted that this year’s prediction by NiMeT is based on the global consensus that El-Nino Southern Oscillation (ENSO) is at the neutral phase which will continue till around August or September.
Bello further explained that residents staying in coastal areas will face flash-floods which he said is ‘natural’, but will disappear in a matter of time if the drains are clean.
“As long as the drains are clean, we should be assured that, in a matter of time, the flash flood will disappear,” he said.
“It must be noted that anytime the Lagoon level rises, it may ‘lock-up’ the discharge points drainage channels and until it recedes, there will be no discharge. Occurrences like these also cause backflows, resulting in flooding.
“The Lagos State Government has established synergy and partnership with Ogun-Osun River Basin Authority and this has ensured control and monitoring of the steady and systematic release of water from Oyan Dam to prevent flooding of the downstream communities.”
Bello advised residents along flood plains, coastal and low-lying wetland areas near major rivers to always be prepared for any emergency and should be ready to relocate when there is an urgent need for it.
The Commissioner also appealed to Lagosians to desist from reckless dumping of refuse and other activities that will expose the state to flooding.
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