By Admin
Lagos State Commissioner for Health, Prof. Akin Abayomi, has described flooding as a major public health emergency, warning that its impact extends far beyond damaged roads and submerged homes to threaten lives, livelihoods, and access to essential services.
Speaking after an assessment of flood-affected communities alongside Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, Deputy Governor Dr. Obafemi Hamzat, the Commissioner for the Environment and Water Resources, and other senior government officials, Abayomi said flooding disrupts healthcare delivery, education, businesses, and social activities while exposing residents to serious health risks.
He said floodwaters are frequently contaminated with sewage, chemicals, and other pollutants, creating conditions for outbreaks of waterborne diseases such as cholera and typhoid. He added that residents also face increased risks of skin infections, injuries, snakebites, and electrocution from submerged electrical installations.
"Flooding is not just an environmental event; it is a public health emergency that affects every aspect of people's lives," he said, noting that many families also grapple with anxiety, uncertainty, and emotional distress long after floodwaters have receded," he said.
Abayomi noted that the burden of flooding is particularly severe for vulnerable groups, including older persons, young children, pregnant women, nursing mothers, and people living with disabilities.
Reflecting on the government's visit to affected communities, the Commissioner said one of the most striking scenes was seeing canoe operators transporting residents, especially elderly people and those with mobility challenges, across flooded streets.
To minimise the health consequences of flooding, Abayomi said the Ministry of Health has intensified disease surveillance in affected communities, strengthened monitoring for outbreaks of waterborne diseases, promoted safe water and sanitation practices, and is working with relevant ministries to reduce flood-related health risks.
He also disclosed that the state has developed a new generation of climate-resilient healthcare facilities designed to withstand recurring floods and the growing effects of climate change.
Abayomi said the new health facility blueprint incorporates elevated structures above projected flood levels, low-carbon and naturally cooled building designs, improved drainage systems, green roofs for stormwater management and rainwater harvesting, strict infection prevention measures, and integrated solar power systems to ensure uninterrupted healthcare services during power outages.
He said the facilities are intended to remain operational during emergencies while providing safe and reliable healthcare for decades.
Abayomi urged residents to avoid contact with floodwaters whenever possible, drink only safe or treated water, practice good hand hygiene, switch off electricity before entering flooded homes, and seek immediate medical attention if they develop symptoms such as diarrhea, vomiting, or fever.
Abayomi stressed that protecting public health requires more than quality hospital care, insisting that healthier communities depend on safer living environments.
"Protecting Lagos from the health impacts of flooding requires government, communities, and residents to work together to build a safer, more resilient city," he remarked.
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