Sea level is gradually rising all over the world and Lagos as a coastal city isn't an exception.

When ocean surge and heavy precipitation(rainfall) co-occur, the potential for flooding in low-lying coastal areas is often much greater than from either in isolation. However, even now, long-term sea level rise is the main driver for accelerated flooding.
Sea level rise isn't caused by torrential rainfall as the general belief, it occur as a result of the gradual melting of the Antarctica ice sheets which increases all the volume of the world's oceans including the Atlantic Ocean which borders Lagos.
The Antarctica ice is melting on a daily basis due to significant increase in heat caused by climate change.
Seas are now rising an average of 3.2 millimeters per year globally, and are predicted to climb a total of 0.2 to 2.0 meters by 2100.

The phenomenon of ocean surge is not restricted to one spot. The entire coastal area of Lagos and other coastal cities are prone to it.
Offshore dredging (sand mining) for construction and land reclamation(sand filling) is the human factor causing coastal erosion in Lagos. Government should regulate frequent dredging of Lagos waters as excessive removal of the sands increases the velocity of water, destruction of the ecosystem and eventually flooding the coastal cities near it.
Lagos Government earmarked 36 Billion Naira for the construction of 3 new islands (Gracefield, Phoenix and Orange) with 18 groynes. This is commendable, but it is not enough, there should be intensive beach replenishment coupled with construction of dykes, sea walls and embankments as it is practised in the coastal areas world over.

The 2012 Kuramo Beach ocean surge which claimed 16 lives and destruction of properties brings to mind the importance of Ocean Surge prevention.


Akinbobola Oludotun, a Geologist / Project Coordinator writes from Lagos Nigeria.

@oluakinbobola.

Ok