Lagos Residents Lament Devastating Flooding that Cripples Activities Lagos, Nigeria’s bustling metropolis, has been brought to a standstill by torrential rainfall, leading to widespread flooding that has paralyzed daily life for its residents. The incessant downpours have inundated major roads, rendering them impassable for vehicles and pedestrians alike. Motorists have been stranded in traffic for hours, while commuters have been forced to abandon their journeys or seek alternative means of transportation. “This is a nightmare,” exclaimed Mrs. Adeola Olowo, a commuter who was stranded at a flooded bus stop. “I’ve been waiting for a bus for over an hour, but all the roads are closed.” Residential areas have also been heavily impacted by the flooding. Many homes have been submerged, leaving residents displaced and their belongings destroyed. Those who have managed to seek refuge in evacuation centers are facing cramped and unsanitary conditions. Businesses have also been severely affected by the flooding. Shops, restaurants, and offices have been forced to close, leading to significant financial losses. “We’ve lost almost all our inventory,” said Mr. Segun Adebayo, the owner of a clothing store in Surulere. “The water came in so quickly that we had no time to save anything.” The flooding has also disrupted essential services, including electricity and water supply. Many areas of Lagos have been left without power for days, while others are struggling with contaminated water. Residents are expressing growing frustration and anger over the government’s response to the flooding. They accuse authorities of failing to invest adequately in drainage systems and flood management measures. “This is a recurring problem,” said Mr. Kunle Ajayi, a resident of Ikorodu. “Every year, we experience flooding, but the government never seems to do anything about it.” The Lagos State government has acknowledged the severity of the flooding and has promised to provide relief materials and assistance to affected residents. However, many remain skeptical that these measures will be sufficient to address the long-term problem of flooding in the city. As the rains continue to fall, the situation in Lagos is growing increasingly dire. Residents are calling for urgent action from the government and other stakeholders to mitigate the impact of flooding and prevent further devastation.Root Cause of F-16 CrashRoot Cause of F-16 Crash An investigation has revealed that a rare simultaneous failure of two pitch rate gyroscopes was the root cause of the F-16 fighter jet crash at Tengah Air Base on May 8. Investigation Findings The Republic of Singapore Air Force (RSAF), supported by Lockheed Martin and Singapore’s Transportation Safety Investigation Bureau, determined that the failure of the gyroscopes provided erroneous inputs to the digital flight control computer, leading to the crash. Safety Measures In response, the RSAF has implemented additional preventative maintenance procedures for gyros to detect early signs of degradation and reduce the risk of future failures. Pilot’s Condition The pilot, who ejected after determining he could not control the aircraft, has been certified fit physically and psychologically and has resumed flying. F-16’s Operational Capability Despite the incident, Defence Minister Ng Eng Hen expressed confidence in the operational capability and reliability of the F-16 aircraft. He noted its proven track record and the RSAF’s high standards of maintenance. Safety Considerations The RSAF prioritizes safety, minimizing flight paths over residential areas and adhering to international aviation standards.Lagos residents on Thursday lamented the devastating flooding that has paralysed activities in the metropolis for days. The torrential rainfall, which began on Tuesday night, has submerged major roads and streets, making it difficult for residents to move around. Many residents were stranded at bus stops for hours, while others had to resort to trekking long distances to get to their destinations. Commercial activities have also been crippled, as many businesses have been forced to close due to the flooding. Residents who spoke to our correspondent expressed frustration and anger over the situation. They lamented that the state government has failed to address the perennial flooding problem in the city. “This is not the first time we are experiencing flooding in Lagos,” said a resident of Lekki, Mrs. Bosede Adeyemi. “Every time it rains, our streets are flooded and we are left stranded. The government needs to do something about this.” Another resident, Mr. John Okafor, said the flooding has caused him huge losses. “My shop was flooded and I lost all my goods,” he said. “I don’t know how I am going to recover from this.” The Lagos State Government has said it is working to address the flooding problem. The Commissioner for Environment, Mr. Tunji Bello, said the government is constructing new drainage channels and clearing existing ones to improve water flow. He also urged residents to stop dumping refuse in drains and canals, as this contributes to flooding.