This year has been very tough when it comes to natural disasters, and for me, the biggest one I experienced was flooding in Lagos.I have heard of people going through flood issues before, but I never really thought it would reach me the way it did this time. Sadly, it did, and it was a really hard experience.
I live in a part of Lagos where flood is common, especially when it rains heavily. But I never knew it could get so serious until the rain that fell a few months ago. That day, I was at home. The sky was very dark and I already knew the rain would be strong. But I didn't expect it to last for so many hours. The rain kept falling and falling until the whole area was full of water.
Within two hours, the water had already entered our compound and started coming into the house. At first, I was confused, just looking at the floor, thinking maybe it would stop. But it didn’t stop. My rug was soaked, water entered the sitting room, and even my fridge started to float a little. I quickly packed my laptop, some documents, and a few clothes to the top of the table.
It was not easy at all. I didn’t even know where to start. I couldn’t sleep well that night because I was scared the water would reach the mattress. Thankfully, the rain stopped later in the night and the water started to reduce. But the damage had already been done. The next day, the whole house was dirty,
smelling, and full of mud. It took almost two days to clean everything.
From that day, I realized that flood is something very serious. It can destroy things fast. I was not fully prepared, and I really regret that. I believe that people living in flood-prone areas like some parts of Lagos should always prepare early before the rainy season.
Some of the things I now do to prevent damage include:
1.Keeping my important documents in waterproof bags.
2.Putting electronics and other important things on high shelves.
3.Not blocking the water drainage around the house.
4.Avoiding throwing dirt into gutters because it causes more blockage.
If I meet someone going through a flood experience now, the first advice I would give is not to panic. It’s very easy to lose control when you see your things getting damaged, but staying calm helps you think better. Also, don’t try to fight the water,save yourself first before anything.
Floods are very stressful and damaging, but with proper preparation and awareness, we can reduce the loss and protect our lives. I really hope I don’t experience this kind of thing again, but if I ever do, I am now better prepared for it.
