GLOBAL WARMING AND CHALLENGES OF FLOODS IN LAGOS METROPOLIS, NIGERIA

Global warming and extreme weather events have caused havoc to lives and property in recent years. Research and development, workshops, conferences, seminars and others have also been focused on these global phenomena. The objective of the paper is to study incidences of flooding in Lagos metropolis. Parameters of floods were studied. Effects of urbanization and living habits of the urban dwellers were studied. Topographic maps of the Metropolis were perused. Literature on climate change, urban floods, and Lagos Metropolis were read. Interviews were conducted with the urban dwellers and two Local Government Chairmen of the Metropolis. There was a questionnaire that was administered among 2,000 Lagosian. It collected data about the frequency, sizes and havoc caused for most of the time it occurred. The Metropolis is on low land with an average gradient of less than 1:100,000. Run-offs are increasing in volume and areas of coverage but relatively drainage channels are inadequate; and they have been blocked through the living habits of the urban dwellers. Waste waters from homes, hospitals and maternity homes, markets, Schools and colleges, manufacturing industries and others are contributing as base water to rain water in the drainage channels. There are grievous consequences of flooding at some localities. All forms of transportation are affected each time it comes. Weather?related disasters are becoming increasingly common. Lagosian and the governments should not allow global warming to compound the challenges of flood in the metropolis