.By Ahmad Mubarak
The Nigerian Red Cross Society (NRCS) says it has carried out a flood simulation exercise in Akpaku, Kasimiye, Shintaku, and Gande communities across Kogi and Bassa Local Government Areas of Kogi State.
The exercise was organized to sensitize residents on early warning and early action, as well as the need for prompt response to minimize the impact of anticipated floods in the state.
The Branch Secretary of the Nigerian Red Cross Society, Kogi State branch, Mr. Danjuma Ahmad Usman, said the simulation was designed to strengthen coordination with disaster management stakeholders and enhance community preparedness to save lives and property during flood emergencies.
Mr. Usman described the exercise as timely, given the rising water levels in parts of the state, and urged residents to relocate to higher grounds to avert avoidable loss of lives and property.
In her remarks, the Disaster Management Officer of NRCS, Mrs. Charity Nwuoha Ekoma, explained that the exercise was part of efforts to train community members on recovery techniques and response measures during flood situations.
According to her, the project particularly targeted vulnerable groups such as the elderly, women, pregnant and lactating mothers, and persons with disabilities, who are often the most affected during disasters.
In their goodwill messages , the Leaders of the Akpaku and Kasimiye communities, Muhammad Adamu and Suleiman Ada-Isa, expressed appreciation to the Red Cross for the exercise, noting that it had equipped them with practical knowledge to respond more effectively to flood emergencies.
Similarly, the Omache of Shintaku community, Yahaya Umar, commended the Red Cross for the initiative, describing it as eye-opening and impactful.
Also,the Deputy Commandant of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Arowolo Michael Kolawole, advised community members to heed early warnings, follow safety instructions, and act swiftly during emergencies to minimize casualties.
Edited by Ajifa Ainoko
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