Lagos State Government has warned residents to prepare for 240 to 270 days rain with the 2020 rainfall predicted to begin on March 19 and end November 22.
Tunji Bello, the commissioner for the environment and water resources, made this known at a news conference on the 2020 seasonal rainfall predictions and prevention of flooding in Lagos, held at the ministry’s conference room on Tuesday, March 10, 2020.
According to the Government official, it is necessary to inform Lagos residents about the 2020 rainfall prediction by the Nigerian Meteorological Agency, NIMET.
He said the warning was to prepare residents of the state ahead for the likely consequences of the rain.
Tunji Bello stated that Ikeja, the state capital, was expected to have about 1,526 millimeters, while Badagry was 1,759 millimeters.
Lagos will get 1,714 millimeters, Ikorodu with 1,690 millimeters and Epe with 1,730 millimeters.
“Lagos Island is expected to have a rainfall onset date of March 19, with an error margin of three days, while its cessation date is expected to be November 26,” he said.
“It is also expected that Lagos Island will have about 252 days of rainfall and about 1,714 millimeters of rainfall over the year.
“It can be deduced that Lagos State shall experience a rainy season of 240-270 days, while the maximum annual rainfall is predicted to be 1,750 millimeters.
“The Year 2020 will likely experience days with extremely high rainfall amount which may result in flooding.
“Another contributory factor to possible flooding in the state is sea-level rise. This poses the biggest risk to coastal areas and the state’s drainage infrastructure, as anytime there is high tidal movement, it may lock up the discharged points of drainage channels and until it recedes, there will be no discharge.
“Such occurrences also caused backflows, resulting in flooding but as soon as the Lagoon recedes, all generated stormwater run-off will immediately discharge and our roads will be free.”
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