Flood Takes Over Lagos, NEMA Intensifies Efforts To Recover Girl Swept By Water

CYRIACUS IZUEKWE

Three days of rainfall rendered many residents homeless and some bereaved because of the flood that took over some parts of Orile, Oworoshoki, Mushin, Ejigbo, Agege and other areas in Lagos.

P.M.EXPRESS reports that one of the victims, a 4-year old girl, identified as Miss Azizat, was swept away by the flood and NEMA has intensified efforts while enjoining residents of Lagos State to look out for the body of the girl. 

According to NEMA management, Miss Azizat was swept away by floodwater from Fashola Street, Papa Ashafa, in Orile Agege in Lagos State.Expectedly, the floodwater from Fashola Street runs through Aboru; Iyana Ipaja; Command in Lagos State; cross to Ota in Ogun State but end up at Agbara where the canal will discharge into the sea.

NEMA and LASEMA have put resources together in recovery operations as soon as distress alert was received but the body has not been recovered.This necessitated the call on the people in these areas with credible information on the recovery of the body to call the attention of emergency/security Agency in their area if they notice any body floating. 

Azizat lived with her parents located at No. 38 Fashola Street, off Odebode Street,  Papa Ashafa, Orile Agege, but when their house was overtaken by floodwater and in an effort to relocate to higher land with other residents, Azizat mistakenly missed her step into a drainage that was covered with flood water and was swept away. 

Recovery operations by emergency agencies are still ongoing. In another development, 4 buildings partially collapsed and 2 women were rescued including a pregnant woman who slumped but was revived immediately.

The building collapse occurred at Ashade Quarters behind Guinness while the 2 women lived at No. 26 Railway Line. About 18 households in the compound have been advised to evacuate No. 18 Railway Line, Ashade Quarters, Agege, for the safety of their lives as the downpour have weakened the building though the occupants of the building have expressed readiness for evacuation.

On this note, the Honourable of Humanitarian Affairs, Disaster Management and Social Development, Sadiya Umar Farouk, has appealed to parents and guardians to take special attention on their children and wards against playing in the rain or running water during this period.She further appealed to Nigerians to relocate to upper ground as soon as they notice that drainages and canals are overflowing.

The Minister also enjoined parents that in the process of relocation to higher ground, the children and women must be protected and safeguarded in emergency situation.Motorists have also been implored to take extra caution while driving in the rain especially when there is flooding.They are enjoined to leave their vehicles and stay in upper ground and not under trees for temporary sheds.

The Minister equally advised nursing mothers on protecting their babies against exposure to cold that can lead to children pneumonia.