PHOTOS: 17-HOUR RAIN CAUSES FLOOD, GRIDLOCK IN LAGOS

Lagos - Motorists in some parts of the Lagos state were trapped in flash flood for several hours as a result of the heavy down pour in the state.

The rain which started late Saturday evening fell throughout Sunday and early Monday morning.

Churches around the metropolis visited by News24 were scanty as most members stayed indoors to avoid being drenched by the downpour.

Some church members said they had to defy the rain to come to church as most of the roads were flooded while vehicles were trapped in the flood.

The Lagos State Government has, however assured residents on the need to remain calm following the torrential rainfall in the state, saying that necessary measures had been taken to avert any incidence of flood disaster in the state.

Commissioner for the Environment in the state, Dr. Babatunde Adejare, in a statement, on Sunday, said that the state government had in recent times carried out an intensive tour of some flood prone communities so as clear up blocked drainages and canals of all encumbrances.

The commissioner lamented the dumping of refuse on water courses and drainages saying the numerous campaigns against such practice was for the interest of the residents.

Adejare said: “Canal is a storm water channel for the conveyance of storm run-offs, they are God’s natural protection for holding water during massive flood and it is not a place for anybody to build a house or dump refuse. Those in the habit of doing such must stop henceforth.”

He therefore warned that government would no longer tolerate the construction of illegal structures along channel Right of Ways, RoWs, in the state.

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