The Lagos State Government has explained that the recent flash floods in many parts of the city were caused by a natural event known as tidal lock-up. This happens when high tides from the Atlantic Ocean and the Lagos Lagoon prevent rainwater from flowing out of the city’s drainage system into the sea. The explanation was given by the Commissioner for the Environment and Water Resources, Mr. Tokunbo Wahab, on Wednesday through his official account on X (formerly Twitter).
Mr. Wahab said that the water from the heavy rainfall could not drain properly because the ocean and lagoon tides were unusually high at the time of the rain. This led to a backup of stormwater, especially in low-lying parts of Lagos, causing temporary floods. He said the flooding is not permanent and would usually disappear one to two hours after the rain stops, once the tides go down.
“The Lagos State Government wishes to inform the public that the flash flooding currently being experienced in parts of the city is due to increased tidal levels from both the Atlantic Ocean and the Lagos Lagoon,” Wahab wrote. “This natural phenomenon, known as ‘lock up’, occurs when high tide temporarily prevents rainwater from discharging into the sea. As a result, stormwater backs up, leading to flash floods in low-lying areas.”
He also gave the assurance that floodwater would naturally drain off once the high tide drops. He added that emergency response teams and drainage maintenance crews were already on ground in affected areas, monitoring the situation and helping to reduce any major disruption caused by the flood.
Mr. Wahab urged Lagos residents to stop dumping refuse in gutters, canals and drainage channels. He warned that when people throw waste in the wrong places, it blocks water flow and increases the chances of flooding. He reminded the public that proper waste disposal is everyone’s responsibility and a necessary step toward building a flood-free city.
He noted that the state government is not relaxing its efforts to upgrade drainage systems and to create awareness on environmental safety. He said the government is working continuously to make Lagos cleaner, safer, and more prepared to handle future weather challenges.
The recent flooding in Lagos is part of a larger pattern of extreme weather being seen across the globe. In the United States, especially in Texas, more than 100 people lost their lives after heavy rainfall led to flooding along the Guadalupe River between July 3 and 4. Areas like Kerrville, Hunt, and Ingram were badly hit. Some summer camps near the river were also affected.
Reports from Texas showed that rainfall in some places was more than 15 inches, much more than weather experts had predicted. Local authorities had to declare flash flood emergencies in several communities because the water levels rose very quickly during the night.
In another part of the U.S., Ruidoso in New Mexico also faced flash floods after heavy rain hit areas already damaged by recent wildfires. The rainwater led to mudslides, damaged several homes, destroyed bridges, and led to many emergency rescues. Officials confirmed that some people were missing and the region suffered major infrastructure damage. Because the land had already been weakened by fire, it could not soak up the water, which made the floods even worse.
Experts believe these events are a sign of more serious climate problems. Whether it’s rising ocean tides in Lagos or burnt land in New Mexico, a combination of natural and human causes is making floods more dangerous and more frequent.
As Lagos continues to face the reality of climate change and urban flooding, government officials are calling for both public support and proper planning to reduce the impact on daily life. Mr. Wahab promised that the state would continue its efforts to protect lives and property by improving infrastructure and promoting responsible waste management among residents.
