Iliyasu Abdullahi Bah
The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), in collaboration with the Kebbi State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA), has organized a comprehensive four-day flood disaster response Simulation Exercise (SIMEX) in Kebbi State, located in Northwest Nigeria, under the theme “Hadin Kai” (collaborative effort).
The exercise, which is supervised by the Director of Search and Rescue, Air Commodore A. Kenneth Obong, is strategically designed to mitigate the devastating impact of flood disasters across the country by enhancing preparedness, improving coordination, and strengthening response mechanisms at the community level.
Air Commodore Obong emphasized that the SIMEX is a pivotal initiative aimed at fostering seamless coordination among all communities and states to develop sustainable and effective solutions to disaster management, ensuring a unified approach to mitigating flood-related challenges.
During the exercise, the Governor of Kebbi State, Dr. Nasir Idris, who was represented by the Commissioner for Humanitarian Affairs, Muhammad Hamidu Jar-kuka, expressed profound appreciation for the Federal Government’s sustained efforts in providing critical assistance to flood disaster victims within the state, underscoring the importance of such collaborative interventions in safeguarding vulnerable populations.
The Director of NEMA Northwest zone, Alhaji Sani Lokoja, highlighted the far reaching consequences of flood disasters, noting that they have not only disrupted livelihoods and damaged critical infrastructure but have also posed significant threats to public health and strained social cohesion within affected communities.
He further commended the Kebbi State Government, key partners in disaster risk reduction, security agencies, and the media for their unwavering support and commitment to disaster management initiatives.
Reiterating the severity of flood related challenges, Alhaji Sani Lokoja stressed that “flood disasters have disrupted livelihoods, damaged infrastructure, threatened health, and strained social cohesion,” emphasizing the urgent need for proactive measures to address these recurring threats.
The SIMEX serves as a vital capacity building exercise, equipping stakeholders across Kebbi State with the necessary skills, knowledge, and coordination frameworks to enhance their disaster response capabilities, ultimately ensuring a more resilient and prepared society in the face of future flood emergencies.
Research by Floodlist reveals that Kebbi State has a history of significant flooding, with notable occurrences in 2012 and 2020. The 2012 floods were particularly severe, affecting many states across Nigeria and causing widespread displacement and damage. More recently, the 2020 floods in Kebbi led to substantial agricultural losses, impacting over 50% of the state and destroying hundreds of thousands of hectares of farmland.