Residents of Ajah, Mafoluku and other flood-prone communities in Lagos have narrated the hardship they endured after Thursday’s torrential rainfall submerged roads, flooded homes and disrupted movement across several parts of the state.

The affected residents called on the Lagos State Government to urgently address the recurring flooding, which they blamed on inadequate drainage infrastructure and poor maintenance of existing channels.

Speaking with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), a resident of Ajah, Mrs. Rukayat, said floodwaters covered a long stretch of Muri Okunola Road, forcing commuters to wade through waist-deep water to reach their destinations.

“The water level was almost up to my lap. People literally had to wade through it to get home,” she said.

According to her, many motorists were forced to turn back, while others abandoned their vehicles and continued their journeys on foot as the road became impassable.

She added that tricycles were the only means of transportation available in some areas, but many broke down while attempting to navigate the flooded roads.

“The only way to pass through the water was by walking or using a tricycle. Even then, the tricycles broke down and had to be pushed,” she explained.

Rukayat said residents had repeatedly reported the flooding challenge to relevant authorities but little had been done to provide a lasting solution.

She attributed the situation to blocked drainage channels and poor water flow through a major canal serving the area.

“There is a big canal here, but I don’t know what is preventing water from flowing through it properly,” she said, adding that overgrown vegetation and sand deposits might be obstructing the channel.

In Mafoluku, residents also recounted how the heavy rainfall left streets and homes submerged, stranding many people for hours.

A resident of Agboola Street, Mrs. Iriagbonse Okunkpolor, said she was unable to return home after stepping out to purchase household items before the downpour began.

“I left my house to buy a few items nearby, but the rain started suddenly and flooded the entire street. I was stranded for hours because there was no safe way back home,” she said.

Another resident, Mr. Mukaila Idris, described the flood as both dangerous and frightening, noting that the strong current forced some residents to seek assistance before crossing flooded areas.

“The current was very strong. I watched people pay young men to carry them across the water because they were afraid of being swept away or falling,” he said.

According to him, only physically fit residents could move through the floodwaters safely, while many others had to wait for hours until the water level receded.

Mr. Williams Ekpo, who resides in the Eyinogun area, said the flooding extended beyond roads and entered residential compounds, causing damage to household property.

“The floodwater entered our compound and damaged some household items. This happens almost every rainy season, yet nothing seems to be done to address the drainage problem,” he lamented.

The residents appealed to the state government and relevant agencies to investigate the persistent flooding and implement lasting drainage and flood-control measures to protect lives and property during the rainy season.

The latest incident comes amid growing concerns over flooding in several parts of Lagos as heavy rains continue to batter the state, raising fears of further disruptions and property losses if urgent interventions are not undertaken.

The post Lagos Flooding: Residents Stranded as Heavy Rain Submerges Ajah, Mafoluku appeared first on Housing TV Africa.

Residents of Efut Efio-Ene community in Calabar South Local Government Area of Cross River State have appealed to the government for urgent intervention over persistent flooding that has devastated homes, damaged infrastructure and threatened lives in the area.

The community attributed the recurring flood incidents to an open drainage channel that directs stormwater from different parts of Calabar metropolis into the area, resulting in widespread destruction of residential properties, access roads and public infrastructure.

Speaking in Calabar, the Clan Head of Efut Efio-Ene, His Royal Highness Muri Ekong Umo Ekpo II, described the situation as alarming, noting that residents have continued to suffer significant losses due to the flooding.

According to him, the floodwaters have destroyed household items and personal belongings, contaminated drinking water sources, increased health risks and disrupted movement within the community.

“We are facing serious challenges because all the water channelled from different parts of Calabar flows directly into our community. The flooding has destroyed houses and properties, contaminated our water sources and exposed residents to various health hazards,” the monarch said.

The traditional ruler disclosed that the drainage system serving the area had not been properly cleared since the administration of former Governor Donald Duke, urging authorities to immediately desilt the drains before the peak of the rainy season.

He called on the federal and state governments, as well as emergency response agencies, to urgently intervene to prevent further destruction and possible loss of lives.

The Youth Leader of the community, Princewill Lawrence, warned that residents now live in fear as heavy rainfall could trigger more severe flooding, structural collapse and widespread damage to livelihoods.

“Residents are worried that increased rainfall in the coming weeks could lead to catastrophic flooding, destruction of property, collapse of weak structures and loss of lives,” he said.

Lawrence appealed for a comprehensive technical assessment of the affected areas and the implementation of sustainable flood-control measures, including proper drainage channels, retention systems and stormwater management infrastructure.

Also speaking, the Women Leader of the community, Obongawan Nanke Bassey, urged government authorities to take immediate action to alleviate the suffering of residents before the situation worsens.

Reacting to the concerns, the Director-General of the Cross River State Emergency Management Agency, Antigha Gill, said the government was aware of the problem and had already drawn the attention of relevant authorities to the situation.

Gill explained that the agency had previously communicated the matter to the state government, which subsequently directed the Ministry of Environment to take necessary action.

He added that the agency had received several letters from the community requesting intervention and assured residents that efforts were underway in collaboration with the Ministry of Environment and the Calabar Urban Development Authority to address the flooding challenge.

The appeal comes as communities across Cross River State face increasing concerns over flooding risks during the peak rainy season, with residents calling for improved drainage infrastructure and proactive environmental management measures.

The post Cross River Community Cries Out as Flooding Ravages Homes, Threatens Lives in Calabar South appeared first on Housing TV Africa.

Commuters travelling along the Ilorin–Igbeti Federal Highway in Kwara State were stranded on Monday after heavy flooding overtook the already collapsed Moro Bridge, submerging vehicles and worsening disruption along the critical interstate route.

The incident reportedly followed an overnight downpour that caused the Moro River to overflow its banks, trapping several vehicles in floodwaters and leaving passengers stranded as they waited for rescue.

The affected bridge, located between Oko-Olowo/Mandala in Ilorin West and Asa Local Government Areas, had collapsed on April 30 after a heavy-duty articulated truck reportedly crossed the aging structure.

Flooding Deepens Transportation Crisis

The bridge collapse had already disrupted a major transport corridor linking Kwara State to neighbouring Oyo State and routes extending toward the Benin Republic border.

Monday’s flooding further complicated the situation as a temporary diversion route earlier promised by the state government had yet to be completed.

Video footage from the scene showed partially submerged vehicles struggling through the flooded area while stranded travellers attempted to navigate the rising water levels.

Residents Raise Concerns Over Delayed Intervention

Motorists and residents expressed frustration over delays in completing emergency works around the bridge, warning that conditions could worsen as the rainy season intensifies.

A trader identified as Kafayat said the incident had already affected business activities and increased transportation costs.

“This development has negatively affected economic activities, causing delays and increasing transportation costs for commuters and businesses,” she said.

Residents also questioned why an alternative bridge project situated beside the collapsed structure had remained unfinished for years.

Fears Grow Ahead of Peak Rainfall Season

Communities around the Moro River axis warned that heavier rainfall expected in July and August could trigger more severe flooding if urgent intervention measures are not implemented.

Following the bridge collapse in April, Kwara authorities introduced traffic diversion plans and promised immediate actions to ease hardship.

The Commissioner for Works, Abdulquawiy Olododo, had stated that the state government was collaborating with federal authorities to address the crisis.

He explained that engineers had been mobilised to carry out palliative work on alternative routes while assuring residents that construction of a new bridge a few metres from the collapsed structure was ongoing.

Aging Bridge Under Fresh Scrutiny

The Moro Bridge, a colonial-era Bailey bridge, has served as a key transport link connecting parts of Kwara and Oyo states for decades.

However, the structure has repeatedly undergone rehabilitation due to persistent structural defects, raising fresh concerns over infrastructure maintenance and public safety.

The post Flooding Worsens Moro Bridge Crisis, Strands Commuters on Kwara–Oyo Route appeared first on Housing TV Africa.

Acting Director General of FEMD, Engr. Abdulrahman Mohammed, explained that water levels in the area are rising fast. He said the road is likely to flood soon.

“This road will be flooded. Closing it now is a step to save lives and property,” he said.

He asked residents to be patient and use other routes for now. The department had been monitoring the water level since June before deciding to act.

Mohammed also warned motorists not to drive into flooded roads. “Wait for the water to go down before driving through,” he advised.

Residents can report emergencies by calling the toll-free number 112.

The closed slip road connects Goodluck Jonathan Expressway with Ring Road 2. This area has a history of flooding. In 2019, Mr. Tony Okecheme, Director of Finance at the FCT High Court, died in a flash flood at this same location.

Officials from the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), including the Head of Abuja Operations, Mr. Zakari Abubakar, and representatives from the Department of Development Control, were present during the closure.

FEMD urged all residents to stay alert and follow safety guidelines during the rainy season.

The post FCT Emergency Agency Closes Galadimawa Road Over Flood Risk appeared first on Housing TV Africa.