As part of efforts to enhance preparedness for this year’s flood, the Nigerian Red Cross Society has conducted simulation exercises across high risk communities across three local Government Areas in Bayelsa State.
In one of the exercises at Kaiama, headquarters of Kolokuma-Opokuma Local Government Area, officials say the aim was to enhance community resilience through early warning systems, evacuation training, boat rescue scenarios and camp set up.
The project is in partnership with the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC), the National Emergency Management Agency, Security Agencies and the European Commission’s Directorate-General for European Civil Protection and Humanitarian Aid Operations (DG ECHO).
The Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NIMET) recently issued a warning that 19 states across the country including Bayelsa will experience flooding just as other related Federal Government agencies alerted that 14,118 communities in 33 states and the Federal Capital Territory are at risk of severe flood disasters this in 2026.
To boost community preparedness and enhance early response mechanisms, the Nigerian Red Cross Society and partner organisations held the simulation exercise at high flood prone communities of Kaiama in Kolokuma-Opokuma LGA, Aguobiri in Southern Ijaw LGA and Tungbo in Sagbama LGA of Bayelsa State.
Secretary General of the Nigerian Red Cross Society, Dr. Abubakar Kende and Director, Disaster Management in the organization, Dr. Benson Agbro explained that the exercise mobilizes stakeholders to prepare against impending flood.
Operations Coordinator of the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC), Gloria Kunyenga and the Senior Disaster Management Officer for the Red Cross and Red Crescent Society, Dr. Idaraobong Ekanem noted that the initiative was aimed at preparing the communities to act before and during flood disasters including installation of river guage.
The Amananaowei of Kaiama Community, Chief Jerry Burutolu represented by the Spokesman for the Council of Chiefs, Chief Samson Amara and the Women Leader, Mrs. Tonbara Akene expressed appreciation to the organisers, stating that the simulation exercise would help the people to handle the perennial flooding in the area.
The simulation exercise was held on the World Red Cross Day with the theme ‘United for Humanity’.
By- Alambo Datonye
