The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), in partnership with the Nigeria Red Cross Society, has commenced a flood sensitisation campaign across vulnerable communities in Adamawa State.
The initiative is part of intensified efforts to reduce the impact of possible flooding following the prediction by the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) of increased rainfall and possible flood incidents in parts of the country.
According to a statement by the NSCDC Adamawa State Command, the exercise was conducted under the leadership of the State Commandant, Nasiru Saleh, as part of measures to strengthen disaster preparedness and protect lives and property.
The officials visited Boromji, Damare/Hayin Gada, Jambutu, Unguwa Tana, Bakin Kogi and Viniklang/Unguwa Kabawa, where residents were provided with practical guidance on flood safety and emergency preparedness.
The NSCDC urged residents to pay close attention to official weather forecasts and relocate to safer areas whenever there is a high risk of flooding.
Residents were also advised to avoid driving or walking through floodwaters, protect drinking water from contamination and maintain proper environmental sanitation to reduce the spread of diseases.
The campaign further highlighted the health and economic consequences of flooding, including outbreaks of waterborne diseases, destruction of homes and farms, displacement of families and damage to public infrastructure.
The Corps also urged communities to keep drainage channels free of refuse, avoid indiscriminate waste disposal and comply with evacuation directives issued by emergency management authorities.
The sensitisation programme also encouraged community participation in disaster risk reduction, with households advised to develop emergency response plans and remain vigilant throughout the rainy season.
Many residents welcomed the intervention as timely and pledged to adhere to safety guidelines to minimise the effects of possible flooding.
The State Commandant, Nasiru Saleh, reaffirmed the command’s commitment to working with humanitarian organisations, government agencies and local communities to improve emergency preparedness and disaster response across Adamawa State.
He urged residents in flood prone areas to treat early warning information with urgency, stressing that prompt action remained the most effective way to prevent avoidable loss of lives and property.
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