Breathing through the storm: How Rapid Flood Relief will save lungs in Lagos

In the coastal megacity of Lagos, a heavy downpour often brings more than just rising water—it brings a hidden crisis for our lungs. As part of the C²REST Project (2024–2027), we are uncovering how climate-driven flooding directly impacts respiratory health across Nigeria.

Why floods choke our lungs

Our research shows that flooding in areas like the Ajegunle slum is not just a water problem; it is an air quality catastrophe. When floods hit, they don't just stay on the ground:

●       Pollutant Spikes: During flood events, particulate matter (PM_{2.5}) levels can exceed WHO guidelines by 120%, reaching dangerous averages of 85 \mu g/m^3.

●       The "Sewage Soup": Flooding agitates septic systems, releasing hydrogen sulfide and bioaerosols. This has led to a documented 40% spike in acute lower respiratory infections and a 42% increase in asthma attacks among children under ten.

●       The 48-Hour Window: Mold begins to grow on damp surfaces within just 24 to 48 hours. For the 13 million Nigerians living with asthma, these spores are a primary trigger for severe attacks.

Rapid "Doorstep Relief"

To fight this, the Lagos State Government has launched a pioneering Parametric Flood Insurance policy. Unlike traditional insurance, this model uses satellite technology and flood modeling to trigger payments automatically the moment water levels hit a specific threshold.

This "doorstep relief" provides rapid financial liquidity, enabling the government to send direct cash transfers to the most vulnerable residents. This speed is vital because it allows families to:

1.     Dry out homes within that critical 48-hour window before mold takes root.

2.     Purchase clean cooking energy, reducing the secondary burden of household air pollution.

3.     Access immediate healthcare for children showing early signs of respiratory distress.

Who is covered and how to benefit?

The initial phase of this protection covers 4 million people across seven high-risk Local Government Areas: Ajeromi-Ifelodun, Shomolu, Alimosho, Amuwo-Odofin, Apapa, Kosofe, and Ojo.

To ensure you are part of this safety net, residents—especially traders and artisans—must ensure their LASRRA registration is up to date. This digital database is the primary tool the government uses to identify beneficiaries and deliver cash relief instantly during a disaster.

At C²REST, we believe that financial resilience is a form of preventive medicine. By bridging the gap between climate policy and public health, we can ensure that even when the rain falls, Lagosians can breathe easy.

Register with LASRRA today and stay informed through LASEMA to be part of a climate-resilient Lagos.

The C²REST Nigeria Study is supported by the Medical Research Foundation, UK.

References

1. ​Adeloye, D. (2024–2027). Mapping the impacts of climate change on respiratory health in Nigeria: Towards equitable and cost-effective national and subnational strategies [Project description]. Teesside University.https://research.tees.ac.uk/en/projects/mapping-the-impacts-of-climate-change-on-respiratory-health-in-ni/
2. ​Elite Project. (2025). Examining the effects of sewage overflow on respiratory health and air pollution in flood-prone neighborhoods.https://eliteproject.com.ng/examining-the-effects-of-sewage-overflow-on-respiratory-health-and-air-pollution-in-flood-prone-neighborhoods/
3. ​Hammer Restoration. (2025, September 23). After the flood: Why mold remediation is essential.https://hammerrestoration.com/2025/09/23/after-the-flood-why-mold-remediation-is-essential/
4. ​C²REST Nigeria Study. (2024, November 18). Welcome to C2REST: Exploring the impact of climate change on respiratory health in Nigeria.https://ccrest.org/news/c2rest-exploring-the-impact-of-climate-change-on-respiratory-health-in-nigeria
5. ​Pachon, A. (2026, March 26). Lagos State launches parametric flood insurance protecting up to 4 million people. AXA Climate.https://climate.axa/publications/parametric-insurance-flood-nigeria-lagos/
6. ​EnviroNews Nigeria. (2026, April 29). Lagos launches flood insurance for rapid doorstep relief for residents.https://www.environewsnigeria.com/lagos-launches-flood-insurance-for-rapid-doorstep-relief-for-residents/
7. ​United Nations Development Programme. (2026, March 26). Lagos State goes live with parametric flood insurance policy, protecting up to 4 million people.https://irff.undp.org/press-releases/lagos-state-goes-live-parametric-flood-insurance-policy-protecting-4-million-0
8. ​Johanning, E., Auger, P., Morey, P. R., & Yang, C. S. (2014). Review of health hazards and prevention measures for response and recovery workers and volunteers after natural disasters, flooding, and water damage: Mold and dampness. Environmental Health and Preventive Medicine, 19, 93–99.https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/24254802/
9. ​Lagos State Government. (2026, January 25). LASRRA set to commence grassroots awareness campaign to deepen residents' registration.https://lagosstate.gov.ng/news/Lagos%20State%20MDAs/view/697878a688319a643b782663
10. ​Sterling Bank. (n.d.). LASRRA.https://sterling.ng/lasrra/