How You Can Prepare For The Rainy Season

The rainy season is no longer knocking—it’s here. And if we learned anything from 2024, it’s that waiting till the skies open up before taking action is a costly mistake.

Last year, floods impacted over 30 states across Nigeria. From the submerged neighborhoods of Bayelsa to Lagos’ flooded roads and markets, thousands were displaced and daily life was put on pause. In Lagos alone, places like Ojuelegba, Lekki, Surulere, and even upscale Ikoyi became near-rivers. Commuters were stranded, cars broke down, and homes were waterlogged.

NiMet’s 2025 Forecast: Heavy and Prolonged Rainfall

The Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) has predicted intense and prolonged rainfall this year. States like Lagos, Cross River, Delta, Rivers, Niger, and Taraba will experience above-normal rain. For a country with overstretched drainage systems and poor urban planning, this is not just a weather report—it’s a serious red flag.

Why Lagos Suffers the Most

With over 20 million residents, Lagos is naturally prone to flooding. It’s a low-lying coastal city bordered by the Atlantic Ocean and Lagos Lagoon. Add clogged drainage, poor waste management, and reckless construction to the mix—and you’ve got a perfect recipe for disaster.

People still remember scenes from last year—canoes inside compounds in Ajegunle, office workers rolling up their trousers in Victoria Island, and traffic frozen for hours due to impassable roads.

So How Can You Truly Prepare? Here Are Practical Steps for Nigerians:

1. Clean Your Gutters and Drains Regularly
Don’t wait for local authorities. Mobilize your household or neighbors to remove blocked gutters and clear water pathways. Empty sachet water nylon and plastic bottles are silent culprits of many flood disasters.

2. Elevate Important Items in Your Home
Raise your electronics, documents, and furniture where possible. If your area has a history of flooding, this small step can save you thousands in damages.

3. Stay Informed with Local Weather Updates
Use your radio, TV, or even NiMet’s Twitter/X page to follow daily weather alerts. This helps you plan ahead—whether it’s rescheduling market runs or avoiding flood-prone routes.

4. Improve Drainage Around Your House
If you live in a bungalow or lowland area, dig small trenches around the building to direct rainwater away. These can prevent water from entering your home during heavy downpours.

5. Create Water Channels in Your Compound
Simple water flow channels around your yard or compound can do wonders. Even a small shovel job by tenants or homeowners can reduce flooding drastically in shared residential spaces.

6. Gear Up with Basic Rain Essentials
Buy rubber boots, a strong umbrella, and waterproof covers for bags. Keep a rechargeable lamp and power bank nearby—especially in case of power outages during stormy nights.

7. Raise Electrical Sockets and Turn Off Power If Flooded
If you’re renovating or building, raise sockets higher on your walls. During floods, it’s important to switch off your electrical mains to avoid short circuits or electrocution.

The rain isn’t the enemy—our poor preparation is. Nigerians, especially those in high-risk states like Lagos, must take ownership of their safety. While we wait for government response, let’s do what we can in our homes and communities.