The Nigerian Red Cross Society, in partnership with the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies, conducted a flood simulation exercise in the Lagi community, Wamba LGA, Nasarawa.

The exercise aimed to strengthen resilience in flood-prone communities.

Speaking during the exercise on Wednesday, Aminu Bagudo, planning, monitoring, evaluation and reporting officer of NRCS Abuja, said the initiative was part of the Italian government-funded Flood Resilience Project.

He stated that the project was being implemented in six high-risk states: Nasarawa, Anambra, Bayelsa, Cross River, Enugu, and Lagos.

Mr Bagudo explained that the simulation exercise demonstrated practical evacuation techniques to help communities respond swiftly to flood emergencies.

According to him, the exercise promoted the ‘Early Warning, Early Action’ approach to prevent loss of lives and property. He advised communities to relocate to higher ground once water levels begin to rise.

“This year’s flood prediction is very high, so my appeal to the government is not to wait until floods happen before rescuing victims. Let’s focus on prevention; that is the approach the Red Cross is adopting,” Mr Bagudo said.

Also speaking, Jerry Kuje, secretary of the NRCS Nasarawa State Branch, urged residents of riverine and flood-prone areas to relocate to safer locations.

He explained that the simulation exercise aimed to raise awareness among these communities about the safety measures they could adopt while awaiting external support.

He further appealed to the government to provide relief to flood-affected persons and to support organisations complementing official efforts.

Ademuyiwa Oyewumi, assistant director at the National Space Research and Development Agency, highlighted the role of technology in disaster management.

“We monitor major rivers, especially the transboundary rivers Niger and Benue, using space-based data. This enables us to provide risk information ahead of floods,” he said.

He appreciated the NRCS for the exercise, which, according to him, served as a very practical approach to sensitising people to flood disasters.

Some community members, including Abubakar Aliyu and Daniel Ayuba, appreciated the NRCS for the exercise, stating that they had gained valuable knowledge on how to respond to flood disasters. 

(NAN)