Schools in White Sand Estate, Isheri-Osun in the Alimosho Local Government Area of Lagos State, have closed their doors, advising students to stay at home as heavy rains and subsequent flooding have disrupted activities.
White Sand Estate is one of the hardest-hit locations in Lagos, frequently experiencing severe flooding.
Wednesday’s downpour rendered homes flooded, with water reaching mid-level heights inside residences.
This severe flooding has left many residents trapped, unable to even sit down as their living spaces are submerged.
In response to the flooding, a school located in the area (name withheld), sent messages to pupils, advising them to stay at home due to the hazardous conditions of the roads and the school.
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, reports that the streets are flooded, making it impossible for cars and motorcycles to navigate. Pedestrians face significant risks as the flooding obscures drainage channels.
The Public Relations Officer of the area CDC, Johnson Olabode, expressed his frustration, in an interview with our correspondent, saying, “We are at it again this year. Everywhere is filled with water. I have been up since 3am 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.”
Olabode added that schools have notified parents to keep their children at home due to the severe conditions.
Another resident, who simply identified herself as Atinuke lamented as water flooded her living room.
“The rain has entered my house again. Just look at the environment. This is Whitesand Estate in Isheri-Osun,” she lamented.
The flooding in White Sand Estate is a recurring issue, with the area suffering from poor roads, inadequate drainage systems, and lack of maintenance.
Residents have called on the Lagos State Government to urgently address the problem.
Another resident, John Adewale, added that the flooding had become a yearly nightmare for them.
Adewale said, “This has become a yearly nightmare for us. 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.”
Many areas such as Iyana-Oworo, Oshodi, and Lagos Island are similarly affected, with activities brought to a standstill.
Videos and pictures posted online show the extent of the flooding in different parts of Lagos on Wednesday morning.
PUNCH Online reports that the downpour which began around 3 a.m. on Wednesday, has left many residents stranded in their homes and rendered the streets impassable.
This flooding highlights broader challenges facing Lagos residents.
