Flood triggers blackouts in Lagos, Osun after grid collapse

The electricity infrastructure of the Eko Electricity Distribution Company and the Ibadan Electricity Distribution Company has been disrupted by flooding, triggering power outages across communities in Lagos and Osun States.

EKEDC said electricity supply to its network had been reduced after outages on the Oshogbo-Ikeja 330kV and Benin-Egbin 330kV transmission lines, resulting in load shedding across some of its business units.

In Lagos, communities affected by the disruption include Chevy View Estate, Chevron Drive, Agungi, Alpha Beach, Ikate, Elegushi, Carlton Gate, Kusenla, Victory Park Estate, Oniru, Maroko, Muri Okunola, Ajose Adeogun, Ligali Ayorinde, and parts of Aboyade Cole.

Other affected locations are Morinho Drive, Landmark Road, Igbo Efon, Lekki Tollgate 2, Igbokusu, Gbangbala, Platinum Way, Jakande/Coastal Road, OADC/Mayegun, Ajiran, Chevron Alternative Area, and Osapa London.

“Some business units may experience load shedding due to grid disruption. The Osogbo/Ikeja 330kV line is down. The Benin/Egbin 330kV line is down. This is impacting the reduction in grid allocation,” a statement by EKEDC read in part.

The electricity agency has, however, announced that work was underway to ensure a return of power to affected communities.

“We are in constant contact with the national grid operator and will restore supply as soon as the lines are back. Thank you for your patience,” the statement added.

Meanwhile, in Osun State, IBEDC also said flooding triggered by a heavy rainstorm at the Ilerin Injection Substation disrupted electricity supply to several communities.

The company explained that the flooding affected the Isare 11kV, Irogbo 11kV and Mount Carmel 11kV feeders, resulting in outages in Ifewara, Iwara, Bolorunduro, Irogbo, Ayeso, Odo-Oro, Wesley, Express Area, Ilerin, Irojo, Olomilagbala, Iwikun, Isare and neighbouring communities.

However, it assured affected residents of an emerging solution to the power challenge. “Our technical team is working to ensure power supply is restored. We sincerely apologise for the inconvenience,” IBEDC said.

Heavy rainfall and flooding have a reputation for damaging electricity infrastructure, reducing transmission reliability and slowing maintenance work, particularly during the rainy season period between April and October.

The Nigerian Meteorological Agency warned recently that many states across Nigeria, including Lagos and Osun, were at risk of flooding and advised residents and relevant authorities to take precautionary measures.