Residents of flood-prone communities in Calabar are being exposed to flood rescue simulation exercises .
It was organised by the National Emergency Management Agency, NEMA, in collaboration with the Cross River State Government, as authorities intensify preparations for the peak of the rainy season expected in August and September
The exercise demonstrated how local divers, the State Emergency Management Agency, SEMA, and NEMA are expected to coordinate rescue operations during flood emergencies, while government officials pledged stronger partnership, expanded public sensitization, and the provision of temporary shelters for displaced residents.
For residents of flood-prone communities in Calabar, the exercise was not a real disaster but a practical lesson on how to survive one.
The National Emergency Management Agency, NEMA, in collaboration with the Cross River State Government, staged a full flood rescue simulation to test how communities and emergency agencies would respond when floodwaters threaten lives and property.
The exercise demonstrated the rescue chain expected during an emergency: local divers carry out the first rescue, and SEMA coordinates the state response, while NEMA provides national support.
Governor Bassey Otu, represented by the Secretary to the State Government, Anthony Owan-Enoh, announced plans to convert some primary schools and community halls into temporary shelters for residents who may be displaced by flooding.
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Director-General of the Cross River State Emergency Management Agency, Effa Nyong, described the simulation as practical, eye-opening and essential for strengthening community preparedness, while residents said the exercise gave them a clearer understanding of evacuation procedures, rescue coordination and personal safety during flood emergencies.
With floodwaters already threatening several communities across Cross River, emergency managers say the goal is no longer just to respond to disasters but to stay ahead of them.
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(Editor: Ebuwa Omo-Osagie)
