Survivors of past flood disasters in Anambra State, on Friday, relived their painful experiences as the Nigerian Red Cross Society conducted a community flood preparedness simulation in Inoma, Anambra West Local Government Area.
The exercise, which was part of the Italian Government-funded Flood Resilience Project, is one of 12 simulations designed to strengthen community preparedness and emergency response in flood-prone areas across Nigeria.
Residents of Inoma, who have endured repeated devastation from the floods of 2012, 2022 and 2024, described the toll of the disasters, which claimed lives, destroyed homes and farmlands, and disrupted livelihoods, reports the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN).
A youth leader, Francis Odotule, said the floods wiped out his entire farm business. “Flood has damaged our farmlands, livestock and livelihoods. What Red Cross is doing today is a big relief. We appeal to government and agencies to sustain this support because our survival depends on it,” he said.
Another survivor, Ndidiamaka Iroegbu, a mother of four, said she lost her home, farm and livestock. “We relocated to makeshift camps for the displaced. Sometimes, there would be food shortages, poor sanitation and risk of disease outbreaks. But we appreciate Red Cross for this intervention; the training will help us better prepare for future emergencies,” she said.
Similarly, Maureen Omataala recalled how recurrent floods have “submerged houses, destroyed crops and swept away property worth millions.” She said the simulation had taught residents vital safety measures and first response skills.
Speaking at the event, the Anambra Branch Secretary of the Red Cross, Kingsley Okoye, said the drill underscored the importance of community training in saving lives during disasters. “This simulation is both a success and a learning opportunity. It demonstrates the critical role of first responders in reducing disaster impact. With teamwork and collaboration, lives can be saved and losses reduced,” he said.
Also addressing the community, Idarabo Ekanem, Senior Disaster Management Officer and Project Manager of the Flood Recovery and Resilience Project, said the initiative was being implemented in 12 states, including Anambra.
Our goal is to improve resilience by sensitising communities to what to do before, during and after floods. We are also renovating public facilities, strengthening water plants and providing financial and technical support to reduce vulnerability,” she explained.
The exercise recreated a realistic flood emergency scenario, featuring early warning broadcasts, community mobilisation, rapid evacuation drills, boat-led and underwater search-and-rescue, first aid, and casualty transportation with ambulances.
