Sensitization of residents living in riverine areas in Anambra State has commenced by the Nigerian Red Cross Society, aiming to prevent flood disasters.
To mark this year’s World Red Cross Day, Professor Charity Ifeyinwa Emelie, the state chairman of the society, mentioned during a press conference that the education campaign has begun.
Emelie, while speaking to journalists, expressed, “Efforts to inform those living in the riverine locations about the potential flood this year have started.”
“Our team has been dispatched to these areas, where convincing residents to relocate to higher ground is challenging. Despite the reluctance, we have been encouraging them to move to prevent any disasters during this year’s flood,” Emelie explained.
Notably, the organization has made significant progress in flood-prone regions such as Ogbaru, Anambra East, Anambra West, Ayamelum, and Awka North, among others.
“We conduct assessments to determine the risks and vulnerabilities present in these areas,” Emelie stated.
In addition to providing food aid, the Red Cross has also distributed hygiene kits, farmers’ kits, and shelter kits to numerous affected individuals in these regions.
Emelie elaborated, “In one instance, we distributed a total of N61,000.00 to 1,500 households impacted by the flooding.”
Furthermore, these communities have received free first aid training, first aid kits for schools, stakeholders, and partners, as well as non-consumable medical supplies for 11 selected health facilities.