Red Cross Activates Response Mechanism To Tackle Flooding In Kebbi

The Nigerian Red Cross Society has trained no fewer than 72 members of Flood Rapid Response Teams across six flood-prone local government areas in Kebbi State as part of efforts to strengthen community preparedness and reduce the impact of flooding.

The Red Cross Disaster Management Officer, Nwoacha Ekeoma, said the participants were selected from six vulnerable local government areas and underwent a two-week intensive training on emergency flood response and disaster preparedness.

According to her, 12 participants were drawn from each of the six benefiting local government areas.

She added that the trainees were provided with river water gauges to enable them to monitor water levels and issue early warnings to communities in the event of impending floods.

Ekeoma explained that the initiative was aimed at reducing the devastating impact of flooding before, during, and after flood incidents through timely response and effective coordination.

She noted that the Rapid Response Teams comprise Directors of Social Welfare from the benefiting local governments, personnel of the Federal Fire Service, the Nigeria Police Force, the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), and Red Cross volunteers.

“We have trained 72 persons on flood rapid response drawn from six local government areas, namely Shanga, Yauri, Koko/Besse, Argungu, Ngaski, and Bagudo. We have also installed water gauges to support their work and enhance early warning systems for communities at risk,” she said on Friday.

Also speaking during the stakeholders’ meeting, participants reviewed and validated response strategies aimed at improving flood preparedness and strengthening collaboration between the Nigerian Red Cross, the Kebbi State Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs, and other relevant partners in mitigating the effects of flash floods.

The stakeholders’ meeting, held at Shagalinku Hotel in Birnin Kebbi, was attended by representatives of persons with disabilities, officials of security agencies, government representatives, and members of the Nigerian Red Cross Society.