Lagos Floods:
A Wake-Up Call for Resilience, Equity, and Community Power
-SPECIAL REPORT-
Lagos,
Nigeria’s bustling megacity, has once again found itself submerged under the
weight of torrential rains and rising waters. The recent flood, triggered by prolonged
rainfall and compounded by tidal lock and poor drainage infrastructure, has
left thousands displaced, homes destroyed, and communities grappling with the
aftermath. But beyond the headlines and viral videos lies a deeper story, one
of systemic vulnerability, grassroots resilience, and the urgent need for a new
approach to urban survival.
The Anatomy of the Flood
The
floodwaters surged through neighborhoods like Ijede, Igbogbo-Bayeku, and Selewu
Oni Malu in Ikorodu, submerging homes, vehicles, and entire streets. According
to Tokunbo Wahab, Lagos State’s Commissioner for Environment and Water
Resources, the city’s coastal geography and tidal dynamics make it particularly
prone to flash flooding. When heavy rains coincide with high tides, drainage systems
are rendered ineffective, causing water to back up into residential areas.
