In Lagos State’s Alimosho Local Government Area, heavy rains and flooding have forced schools in White Sand Estate, Isheri-Osun, to close. The affected schools have advised students to stay at home due to the severe weather conditions and impassable roads.
White Sand Estate, notorious for severe flooding, faced another round of heavy downpours on Wednesday. The rain caused water levels to rise significantly, submerging homes and trapping residents. Many found themselves unable to even sit as their living spaces filled with water.
In response, a local school (name withheld) sent messages to parents, urging them to keep their children at home. The message read, “Good morning dearest parents. Trust your night was splendid. Due to the downpour and a predicted serious rainy weather forecast today, we have decided to close the school and postpone today’s exam. As you can see, almost everywhere is flooded. As a school, we prioritise the safety of our geniuses above everything else. Consequently, the school bus will also not operate today. We are extremely sorry for all the inconvenience.”
Our correspondent, who visited the area, reported that the streets were so flooded that cars and motorcycles couldn’t pass. Pedestrians faced significant risks due to the submerged drainage channels.
Johnson Olabode, the Public Relations Officer of the area Community Development Committee (CDC), expressed his frustration. “We are at it again this year. Everywhere is filled with water. I have been up since 3 am when the rain started, and all I could do was watch my house get flooded. We can’t even start removing the water until the rain stops,” he said.
Schools in the area have notified parents to keep their children at home due to the hazardous conditions. Another resident, Atinuke, lamented as water flooded her living room, saying, “The rain has entered my house again. Just look at the environment. This is White Sand Estate in Isheri-Osun.”
Flooding in White Sand Estate is a recurring problem, exacerbated by poor roads, inadequate drainage systems, and lack of maintenance. Residents have repeatedly called on the Lagos State Government to address the issue urgently.
John Adewale, another resident, described the flooding as a yearly nightmare. “Every time it rains heavily, we know our homes will be flooded. We’ve been pleading with the government for better drainage systems, but nothing seems to be done. We’re stuck inside with water everywhere.”
Other areas in Lagos, such as Iyana-Oworo, Oshodi, and Lagos Island, were similarly affected, bringing activities to a standstill. Videos and pictures posted online highlighted the extent of the flooding across various parts of Lagos on Wednesday morning.
