Some parts of Lagos metropolis, on Sunday, experienced the first rainfall of the year 2023.
The districts that recorded the rainfall included Lawanson in Surulere, Apapa Road, Costain, Amuwo Odofin and Oyingbo, among others.
The morning rain, which did not last more than 30 minutes, varied in intensity in the different areas where it touched.
Some residents say it mere drizzled around Ijegun, along the Jakande/Isolo area of Lagos. However, the effect was enough to reduce the dust on the road.
The residents, however, expressed delight but urged the government to take steps early enough to contain floods during the rainy season.
They also hoped the coming of the rain will help to ease the heat experienced at night as well as make for improved yields in the year’s agricultural season.
In the Lawanson area, residents said the rain lasted about 20 minutes.
Some other residents wish it could rain more than it did on Sunday to reduce the heat being experienced, which according to them, have been made worse by epileptic power supply and fuel scarcity.
An Agriculturist, Mr. Akin Obasa, said the rain should be a reminder for farmers to start preparing for the farming season.
He, however, said they should still wait a while for the rain to be a bit more consistent before they start cultivating.
“Farmers should not rush to the farm to start planting but they can start making preparations for the new planting season.”
A Geography teacher, Mr. David Ola, urged the government to prepare for the rainy season in order not to be caught unawares when heavy rain comes.
According to him, the Ministry of Environment, Ministry of Works and all other relevant agencies should ensure that canals, gutters, drainage channels and roads cleared of waste and silt.
Ola also cautioned residents against removing silt from gutters and leaving them on the roadsides only for rains or waters to wash them back into where they were evacuated from.
Dr Linda Ibe advised residents to observe precautionary measures to avert ailments usually associated with the rainy season.
According to her, the ailments included cold, malaria, typhoid fever, diarrhoea, cholera, Hepatitis A and conjunctivitis.
“This is the season when contagious diseases are on the increase. The common diseases associated with the season include malaria, typhoid fever, cold , cholera, diarrhoea, Hepatitis A, among others.
“Unfortunately, children and the aged are most vulnerable to these diseases. Many drain channels are going to be filled with stagnant water due to inadequate waste management.
“Most gutters in Lagos do not flow. They contain stagnant water. So, residents should not litter the environment and gutters so as to avoid flooding.
“Grasses around the homes and environment should be cut. Empty and useless cans and containers should be thrown away to avoid breeding mosquitoes, reptiles and rodents.
“Parents are advised to take good care of their children and also keep them covered from cold.
“All residents should keep their environment clean and safe and in addition, keep themselves healthy,” Otti advised.
-NAN