By Abdullahi Lukman
The Nigerian Red Cross Society has trained 72 members of Flood Rapid Response Teams from six flood-prone local government areas in Kebbi State to strengthen community preparedness and response to flooding.
The two-week training, held in Birnin Kebbi, focused on emergency flood response, disaster preparedness, search and rescue, early warning systems and community coordination to improve resilience before, during and after flood incidents.
Speaking at the programme, the Red Cross Disaster Management Officer, Nwoacha Charity Ekeoma, said the participants were drawn from Shanga, Yauri, Koko/Besse, Argungu, Ngaski and Bagudo local government areas, with 12 volunteers selected from each council.
Ekeoma said the trainees were also provided with river water gauges to enable them monitor water levels and issue early warning alerts to communities vulnerable to flooding.
She noted that the initiative is part of the Red Cross’ efforts to reduce the impact of recurring floods by building local capacity for rapid emergency response and improving community-based disaster risk management.
According to her, empowering volunteers with practical skills and early warning tools will enhance timely intervention and help protect lives and property during flood emergencies across the affected communities.
