Flood Preparedness: Kebbi Trains 72 Rapid Response Personnel

The Nigerian Red Cross Society has trained 72 emergency response personnel drawn from security agencies and local government authorities in Kebbi State to strengthen preparedness and response to flooding in vulnerable communities.

The two-week intensive training focused on emergency flood response and disaster preparedness, equipping participants with the skills needed to respond quickly to flood emergencies across the state.

Speaking after the training, the Red Cross Disaster Management Officer, Nwoacha Ekeoma, said the participants were selected from six flood-prone local government areas: Shanga, Ngaski, Yauri, Argungu, Bagudo and Koko/Besse.

According to Ekeoma, the trainees included directors of social welfare from the six benefiting local government areas, personnel of the Federal Fire Service (FFS), Nigeria Police Force (NPF), Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), as well as Red Cross volunteers.

She said the initiative was aimed at improving emergency coordination and strengthening the capacity of first responders to protect lives and property during flood incidents.

Ekeoma also disclosed that the Nigerian Red Cross Society had installed water gauges in the affected communities to support early warning systems and enable trained personnel to monitor rising water levels and respond promptly to potential flooding.

She noted that the equipment would help communities at risk receive timely alerts, reducing the impact of floods through faster emergency response and improved disaster preparedness.

The training comes as authorities intensify efforts to mitigate the impact of seasonal flooding, which annually threatens lives, livelihoods and infrastructure in several riverine communities across Kebbi State.