Just last week, Lagos was hit by severe flooding, causing widespread disruption to businesses and significantly impacting the daily lives of residents. The torrential rains, which began in the early hours of the morning, continued throughout the day, leading to severe waterlogging in various parts of the city. This natural calamity has resulted in the loss of properties, reduced revenue for local businesses, and brought the city’s bustling activities to a near standstill.
Devastating Impact on Businesses
The economic impact of the flooding has been profound. Numerous businesses, particularly those in low-lying areas, have suffered extensive damage. Retail shops, markets, and small enterprises bore the brunt of the flooding as water inundated their premises, destroying goods and equipment. Electronics, clothing, and food items worth millions of naira were lost to the floodwaters.
Many business owners have expressed their frustration and despair over the situation. Mrs. Titi Adewale, who owns a boutique in Surulere, said, “I watched helplessly as the water level rose and entered my shop. All my stock is ruined, and I don’t know how I’ll recover from this.”
The financial strain on these businesses is immense, with many unable to operate due to the damages. Insurance coverage is often minimal or nonexistent for small businesses in Lagos, leaving owners to bear the full brunt of the losses. The cost of repairs, coupled with the loss of inventory, is expected to push many to the brink of closure.
Leading to a reduction in daily revenue. With businesses unable to operate, there was a significant reduction in daily revenue across various sectors. Retail shops, markets, transportation services, and even larger corporations reported losses.
In the retail sector alone, it is estimated that the day’s revenue losses run into billions of naira. This figure does not account for the long-term economic impact, as many businesses will require time to recover and resume normal operations.
Disruption of Movement and Daily Activities
The flooding also severely disrupted transportation and movement across the city. Major roads, including key arteries like the Third Mainland Bridge and Lekki-Epe Expressway, were submerged, leading to massive traffic jams and delays. Public transportation was hit hard, with buses and taxis struggling to navigate the waterlogged streets.
Commuters faced significant challenges in getting to their destinations. Many were stranded for hours, and some had to abandon their vehicles and wade through waist-deep water to reach safety. The situation was further exacerbated by the inadequate drainage systems in the city, which failed to cope with the volume of water.
The impact on daily wage earners and small vendors was particularly severe. These individuals rely on daily earnings to sustain their families, and the flooding effectively cut off their source of income for the day. Mr. Akin Adebayo, a street vendor, lamented, “I couldn’t sell anything today. My goods are wet, and I don’t have any other means of making money.”
Loss of Properties and Infrastructure
The flooding caused significant damage to both residential and commercial properties. In areas such as Victoria Island, Ikoyi, and Ajah, high-end properties and office buildings experienced flooding, leading to damage to infrastructure and personal belongings. Vehicles parked in underground garages were submerged, and in some cases, the force of the water caused structural damage to buildings.
Emergency services were overwhelmed with calls for assistance, and rescue operations were hampered by the flooded roads. The Lagos State Emergency Management Agency (LASEMA) worked tirelessly to evacuate residents from the worst-hit areas, but the sheer scale of the flooding made it difficult to reach everyone in need.
Additionally, the flooding has affected the tourism sector, with many tourists stranded in their hotels or unable to reach key attractions. The overall economic loss to the city is still being calculated, but it is clear that the financial hit will be substantial.
The recent flooding in Lagos has once again highlighted the urgent need for improved infrastructure and effective flood management systems. As climate change continues to increase the frequency and intensity of extreme weather events, cities like Lagos must invest in resilient infrastructure to protect their residents and businesses.
For now, the focus is on recovery and support for those affected. Government agencies, non-governmental organizations, and the private sector are mobilizing resources to assist in the cleanup and rebuilding efforts. However, the road to recovery will be long and challenging for many.
The flooding has underscored the vulnerability of Lagos to natural disasters and the pressing need for sustainable solutions to mitigate future risks. As the city rebuilds, it must prioritize resilience and preparedness to safeguard its future against similar catastrophes.
In the end, flooding affects all of us—no one gets a free pass. This means we all have a role to play. Whether we’re everyday citizens or community leaders, it’s on us to step up. We need to come together, take action, and support each other to prepare for and bounce back from these challenges. Let’s face it: we’ve got a lot of work to do, but by working together, we can make a real difference.
Written By Veronica Emmanuel