The Lagos State Commissioner for Environment and Water Resources, Tokunbo Wahab, has disclosed that the state will experience abnormal rainfall in 2024, with a total predicted rainfall of 1,936.2 mm.
Speaking at a news conference on 2024 seasonal climate predictions and socio-economic implications for Lagos State, Wahab stated that the average annual rainfall predicted for 2024 was greater than the long-term average, with an onset date expected in the first week of April and ceasing in the first week of December.
Wahab outlined the predicted onset and cessation dates for rainfall in different parts of Lagos State, with Ikeja, Badagry, Ikorodu, Lagos Island, and Epe all expected to experience varying amounts of rainfall throughout the year.
He noted that while below-normal rainfall was anticipated in the first half of the rainy season, normal to above-normal rainfall was expected in the second half.
Wahab emphasized the importance of collaboration with the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) on seasonal climate prediction, highlighting its value as a weather and early warning tool for various sectors impacted by annual rainfall.
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He assured that the state government was prepared to handle any potential flooding, with plans in place to downscale the seasonal climate prediction to stakeholders and emergency workers in the state. Additionally, the government has deployed and maintained a network of weather stations and river gauge stations to monitor weather and river levels, enhancing preparedness for weather and flood-related issues.
To effectively contain flooding, the government is maintaining a partnership with the Ogun-Osun River Basin Authority and monitoring rainfall from neighboring states, dam releases, and river water levels.
Residents along flood plains of major rivers are urged to be ready to relocate to higher grounds when necessary, and drainage engineers are available in all local government areas to attend to drainage-related matters during and after the rainy season.
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The Special Adviser on Environment, Olakunle Rotimi-Akodu, appealed to residents to support the government’s efforts by regularly cleaning drains and avoiding dumping refuse into drainage channels.