Survivors of the devastating floods in Anambra in 2012, 2022, and 2024 recounted their experiences on Friday during a community flood preparedness simulation organised by the Red Cross Society.

The event, held in the Inoma community in Anambra West Local Government Area, brought together residents, who still continue to grapple with the aftermath of annual flooding.

The repeated incidents took many lives, destroyed homes, and ravaged farmlands.

The drill, one of 12 simulations under the Italian government-funded Flood Resilience Project, aimed to improve community preparedness and emergency response readiness in flood-prone areas.

A survivor and youth leader in Inoma, Francis Odotule, recounted how the flood washed away his entire farm business.

“Flood has damaged our farmlands, livestock, and livelihoods. What the 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 everything – her home, farm, and livestock – adding that she had never felt so helpless in her life.

“We relocated to makeshift camps set up for the displaced. Sometimes, there will be a food shortage. We also face poor sanitation and the risk of disease outbreaks, but we appreciate the Red Cross for this intervention,” Ms Iroegbu said.

A farmer, Maureen Omataala, described how floods have repeatedly turned life upside down in the community.

“I am a farmer, but since 2012, floods have been ravaging our communities. Whenever the flood comes, it submerges our houses, destroys our crops, and sweeps away property worth millions of naira.

“Many times, we escape by climbing rooftops or flee on boats. Today’s simulation has taught us safety measures and how to be first responders before help arrives,” she said.

Kingsley Okoye, secretary of the Anambra branch of the Red Cross, said the exercise underscored the importance of proper planning and community training.

Mr Okoye said the simulation aimed to strengthen local resilience and equip vulnerable communities with life-saving skills, as climate-related disasters grow increasingly frequent and severe.

“With teamwork and collaboration, lives can be saved and losses reduced,” Mr Okoye said.

The exercise recreated a realistic flood emergency scenario, including early warning broadcasts, community engagement, and the distribution of relief items.

Others include rapid evacuation drills, boat-led search operations, underwater search and rescue, as well as first aid response and transportation of casualties via ambulances. 

(NAN)