NSCDC ADAMAWA COMMAND SENSITISES FLOOD-PRONE COMMUNITIES, URGES RESIDENTS TO HEED EARLY WARNING.

By Alhassan Haladu Yola.

The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Adamawa State Command, through its Crisis Management Department, has commenced a sensitisation campaign across identified flood-prone communities in the State, following the 2026 Seasonal Climate Prediction and flood early-warning alerts issued by the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet).

Public Relation Officer Adamawa state Command DSC Amidu Nyako Baba discloused this in statement made available to Newsmen in Yola.

The exercise, carried out under the strategic direction of Commandant Nasiru Saleh, as part of the Command's renewed commitment to strengthening disaster preparedness, prevention, mitigation and effective response, in line with the Corps' mandate of protecting lives and property and contributing to public safety and national resilience.

The sensitisation team, in synergy with the Nigeria Red Cross Society, visited flood-prone communities including Boromji, Damare/Hayin Gada, Jambutu, Unguwa Tana, Bakin Kogi and Viniklang/Unguwa Kabawa, where residents were sensitised on the potential risks associated with flooding and the need to take proactive measures to safeguard lives and property.

The residents were urged to take seriously all flood early-warning information and advisories from relevant authorities, particularly the predictions of NiMet and other competent agencies. Those residing in low-lying areas and locations identified as vulnerable to flooding were advised to consider relocating temporarily to safer and higher ground whenever there is an imminent threat of flooding.

The sensitisation team also highlighted the dangers associated with flooding, including loss of lives, destruction of homes and livelihoods, displacement of communities, damage to critical infrastructure and the contamination of water sources. Residents were further cautioned about possible health hazards arising from floods, including waterborne diseases such as cholera and typhoid fever, diarrhoeal diseases, malaria and other illnesses that may arise from contaminated water, poor sanitation and increased exposure to disease vectors.

Residents were encouraged to avoid walking or driving through fast-moving floodwater, refrain from allowing children to play in flooded areas, protect food and drinking water from contamination, maintain proper sanitation and immediately report emergencies or rising water levels to relevant authorities.

The team further emphasised the importance of flood mitigation measures, including keeping drainage channels and waterways free from refuse and obstructions, avoiding indiscriminate dumping of waste, clearing blocked drainage systems and adhering to evacuation instructions whenever issued by competent authorities.

The exercise also provided an opportunity for the NSCDC and the Nigeria Red Cross Society to engage directly with community members on disaster preparedness and the importance of community participation in reducing disaster risks. Residents were encouraged to develop household preparedness plans and to remain vigilant throughout the flood season.

The targeted communities expressed appreciation to the NSCDC Adamawa State Command and the Nigeria Red Cross Society for the proactive intervention and awareness campaign. The residents also pledged to take the warnings seriously, comply with safety advisories and cooperate with relevant authorities to minimise the impact of possible flooding.

The Commandant, Commandant Nasiru Saleh, reiterated the Command's commitment to strengthening collaboration with relevant stakeholders and communities in the areas of disaster risk reduction, emergency preparedness and response. He called on residents across flood-prone communities in Adamawa State to remain vigilant and act promptly on early-warning information to prevent avoidable loss of lives and property.

The NSCDC Adamawa State Command therefore urges the general public to remain alert, prioritise safety and support collective efforts towards building resilient communities capable of preventing, preparing for and responding effectively to disasters.