LAFIA — The Nigerian Red Cross Society (NRCS), in partnership with the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies, on Wednesday conducted a flood simulation exercise in Lagi community, Wamba Local Government Area of Nasarawa State. The exercise formed part of the Italian Government-funded Flood Resilience Project and was aimed at equipping flood-prone communities with practical skills to minimise disaster risks.
Mr. Aminu Bagudo, Planning, Monitoring, Evaluation and Reporting Officer of NRCS in Abuja, said the project was being implemented across six high-risk states — Nasarawa, Anambra, Bayelsa, Cross River, Enugu, and Lagos. He explained that the simulation involved practical evacuation drills, showing residents how to respond swiftly and effectively during flood emergencies. “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,” Bagudo said.
Also speaking, Mr. Jerry Kuje, Secretary of the NRCS Nasarawa State Branch, advised residents of riverine areas to move to higher ground once water levels begin to rise. He noted that the exercise was designed to raise awareness and prepare communities with life-saving measures before external interventions arrive. Kuje further appealed to government authorities to provide relief materials and support humanitarian organisations complementing official efforts.
Highlighting the role of technology, Mr. Ademuyiwa Oyewumi, Assistant Director at the National Space Research and Development Agency (NASRDA), said the agency monitors major rivers, including Niger and Benue, using space-based data to generate early warnings. “This enables us to provide risk information ahead of floods,” Oyewumi explained, commending the Red Cross for building resilience and sensitising rural dwellers on preventive action.
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 how to protect themselves and their families during flood disasters. They said the exercise would help the community respond more effectively to emergencies and reduce loss of lives and property.
