The Nigerian Red Cross Society (NRCS), in collaboration with the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies, has carried out a flood simulation exercise in Lagi community, Wamba Local Government Area of Nasarawa State.
The initiative, which took place on Wednesday, was designed to strengthen the resilience of flood-prone communities and improve their preparedness for emergencies.
Speaking during the exercise, Aminu Bagudo, Planning, Monitoring, Evaluation and Reporting Officer of the NRCS Abuja office, said the activity formed part of the Italian government–funded Flood Resilience Project.
He disclosed that the project is being implemented in six flood-prone states — Nasarawa, Anambra, Bayelsa, Cross River, Enugu and Lagos.
Mr. Bagudo explained that the simulation focused on practical evacuation drills to help communities respond quickly in the event of floods. According to him, the exercise also emphasised the ‘Early Warning, Early Action’ approach as a preventive measure against loss of lives and property.
“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.
He further advised communities to relocate to higher ground immediately water levels begin to rise.
Also speaking, Jerry Kuje, Secretary of the NRCS Nasarawa State Branch, urged residents of riverine and flood-prone areas to move to safer locations. He noted that the simulation was aimed at raising awareness of safety measures people could adopt while awaiting external support.
Kuje also appealed to government authorities to provide relief materials for flood-affected persons and to support organisations working to complement official responses.
In his remarks, Ademuyiwa Oyewumi, Assistant Director at the National Space Research and Development Agency (NASRDA), highlighted the importance of technology in flood monitoring and 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 explained.
Mr. Oyewumi commended the NRCS for organising the exercise, describing it as a practical way of sensitising communities on how to mitigate flood risks.
Some community members, including Abubakar Aliyu and Daniel Ayuba, expressed appreciation to the Red Cross, noting that the training had equipped them with valuable knowledge on responding to flood disasters.
NAN
