Following a downpour in parts of Lagos and Ogun states on Monday, the Long Bridge end of the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway was submerged, causing motorists and commuters to be stranded in the gridlock induced by the slow-paced movements of vehicles plying the bridge to navigate their destinations in the states.
The gridlock was reportedly induced by the floodwater on the bridge caused by torrential rainfall witnessed in parts of Lagos State on Monday left many roads, houses and shops flooded.
The situation caused gridlock that left many motorists and commuters stranded for hours on major roads in the metropolis.
While the rain which started around midday in some parts of the metropolis was still falling, the National Emergency Management Agency, in a statement by its Lagos Coordinator, Ibrahim Farinloye, issued an advisory cautioning residents, motorists, teachers and school proprietors, among others, on the need to exercise restraint during and after the downpour.
Meanwhile, the Ogun State Commissioner for Environment, Ola Oresanya, during a recent press briefing, asked residents of 23 flood-prone communities including Akute Isheri, Mowe, Ibafo, and other border communities between Lagos and Ogun States to temporarily relocate to avoid loss of lives and property due to flooding.
He said,
“The second season will have a prolonged impact in wetlands such as Alagbole, Akute, Isheri, Warewa, Oke-Afa, Mowe, Ibafo, Kara, Onihale, Ebute Kimobi and Riverside Estate.
“These areas will witness coastal flooding due to the tidal lock of the Ogun River by Lagos Lagoon from the natural rise in sea level coupled with the possible release of excessive water from the Oya dam.
“Residents of these areas should be prepared to relocate temporarily from these areas during the second season of rainfall if required.”
