Red Cross Trains 72 Flood Responders in Kebbi

The Nigerian Red Cross Society has intensified efforts to mitigate the impact of flooding in Kebbi State by training 72 members of Flood Rapid Response Teams drawn from six flood-prone local government areas.

The two-week intensive training, held in Birnin Kebbi, equipped participants with skills in emergency flood response, disaster preparedness, early warning, search and rescue, and community coordination to enhance resilience before, during, and after flood emergencies.

Speaking at the programme, the Red Cross Disaster Management Officer, Nwoacha Charity Ekeoma, said 12 participants were selected from each of the six benefiting local government areas—Shanga, Yauri, Koko/Besse, Argungu, Ngaski, and Bagudo.

She explained that the trainees were also provided with river water gauges to monitor water levels and issue timely early warning alerts to communities at risk of flooding.

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Ekeoma noted that the Flood Rapid Response Teams comprise Directors of Social Welfare from the participating local governments, personnel of the Federal Fire Service, the Nigeria Police Force, the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), and Red Cross volunteers working together to ensure swift and coordinated emergency response.

The training also featured a stakeholders’ meeting where participants reviewed and validated flood response strategies aimed at improving preparedness and strengthening collaboration between the Nigerian Red Cross Society, the Kebbi State Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs, security agencies, and other partners.

The meeting, held at Shagalinku Hotel in Birnin Kebbi, brought together representatives of persons with disabilities, government officials, security agencies, humanitarian organizations, and Red Cross volunteers.

The initiative is expected to enhance community resilience, improve early warning and emergency response systems, and ultimately reduce the loss of lives and property during the 2026 flood season in Kebbi State.