The Nigerian Red Cross Society (NRCS), in partnership with the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies, has carried out a flood simulation exercise in the Lagi community, Wamba Local Government Area of Nasarawa State.
The drill, held on Wednesday, was part of the Italian Government-funded Flood Resilience Project aimed at boosting disaster readiness in flood-prone communities and reducing risks.
The Planning, Monitoring, Evaluation and Reporting Officer of the NRCS in Abuja, Aminu Bagudo, said the initiative is being implemented across six high-risk states: Nasarawa, Anambra, Bayelsa, Cross River, Enugu and Lagos.
He explained that the exercise involved practical evacuation drills, showing residents how to respond quickly 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.
He urged communities to move to higher ground once water levels begin to rise, stressing the importance of the “Early Warning, Early Action” model to save lives and property.
The Secretary of the NRCS Nasarawa State Branch, Jerry Kuje, said the exercise was also meant to raise awareness and prepare residents while they await external support. He appealed to the government to provide relief materials for victims and to support organisations working to complement state interventions.
The National Space Research and Development Agency (NASRDA) also highlighted the role of technology in disaster management. Assistant Director Ademuyiwa Oyewumi, said the agency monitors major rivers, including the Niger and Benue, using space-based data to provide early risk information.
He commended the Red Cross for the initiative, describing it as a practical step in building resilience and equipping rural dwellers with life-saving knowledge.
Community members such as Abubakar Aliyu and Daniel Ayuba welcomed the training, saying it gave them vital skills to stay safe when floods occur.