Your house just flooded. Here is what to do.
Lagos rainy season 2026 has already caused widespread flooding across Lekki, Ajah, Surulere, Festac, Isolo, and many other areas. If you are reading this, your home may have flooded or you want to be prepared. Here is exactly what to do.
Step 1: Safety first, before you do anything else
- Turn off electricity at the distribution board if water is near sockets, appliances, or electrical fittings. Water and live electricity is lethal.
- Do not wade through floodwater if you cannot see the floor, open drains and open manholes are hidden hazards.
- Move valuable documents, electronics, and anything irreplaceable to higher ground immediately.
Step 2: Document everything (first 30 minutes)
Take photos and video of all flood damage before any cleanup. This is critical for:
- Insurance claims
- Landlord/tenant disputes
- Contractor quotes (they need to see the scope)
Step 3: Begin water removal as fast as possible
Every hour counts. Standing water causes:
- Tile cracking (water gets under tiles and the adhesive dissolves)
- Plaster swelling and falling
- Wood furniture warping permanently
- Mosquito breeding within 24-48 hours
- Mould and fungal growth within 48-72 hours
If you have a pump, use it. If not, buckets and mops while you wait for professionals is better than nothing.
Step 4: Call a flood cleanup specialist
Professional flood cleanup teams handle:
- Water extraction with industrial pumps
- Mud and debris removal
- Disinfection (floodwater contains sewage and bacteria)
- Drying equipment to prevent mould
- Structural assessment to identify hidden damage
Call us on WhatsApp: +2348127649659
Step 5: Fix the cause, not just the symptom
The most common causes of house flooding in Lagos:
Compound drainage failure: Undersized or blocked drain channels cannot cope with heavy downpours. Signs: water pools in compound before entering house.
Blocked gutters: Overflowing gutters dump water against external walls and into window frames. Book a gutter cleaning →
Inadequate road drainage: If your street floods and water levels rise above your floor level, you need defensive barriers (kerbs, sandbags) and improved compound grading.
Low-lying property: Some Lagos areas (Festac, parts of Surulere, parts of Lekki axis) have elevation below road level. Proper perimeter drainage and raised entry points are the long-term fix.
Preventing the next flood
1. Clean gutters before and after every rainy season, blocked gutters overflow into walls and foundations. Book gutter cleaning →
2. Repair roof leaks immediately, waiting makes them worse and more expensive. Book roof repair →
3. Fix compound drainage, new or enlarged channels make a significant difference. Book drainage repair →
4. Waterproof external walls, water penetrates porous blocks over time. Book waterproofing →
5. Fumigate after flooding, stagnant floodwater brings pests. Book fumigation →