Abuja: The International Rescue Committee (IRC) and the European Union have successfully concluded an innovative disaster preparedness project aimed at protecting vulnerable communities from urban flooding in Adamawa State, northeast Nigeria.
According to African Press Organization, climate change is fueling disasters and floods at unprecedented rates in places already affected by conflicts and crises. In 2024, unprecedented flooding in Nigeria caused food insecurity and cholera outbreaks, while last month’s devastating flash floods in Niger State claimed over 150 lives.
In a region facing escalating humanitarian needs due to conflict, displacement, and the growing impacts of climate change, urban flooding remains a persistent and deadly threat—especially in informal settlements. The project focused on reducing these risks through community-led anticipatory action, empowering local residents to prepare for and respond to floods before disaster strikes.
Investing in early action saves lives. This project has transformed how responders address climate-driven disasters in fragile, urban settings. By centering on communities—especially women and marginalized groups—it has helped lay the foundation for long-term resilience and local ownership.
The IRC has operated in Nigeria since 2012, initially responding to catastrophic flooding in Kogi State. Today, the organization supports crisis-affected communities across the northeast with health, protection, education, economic recovery, and climate resilience services. With over 700 staff in the country, the IRC brings deep expertise in disaster preparedness and anticipatory action.
The project also built on strong collaborations with local and national institutions, including the Nigeria Hydrological Services Agency (NiHSA), Nigeria Meteorological Agency (NiMET), Upper Benue River Basin Development Authority (UBRBDA), and the Adamawa State Emergency Management Agency (ADSEMA), ensuring long-term sustainability of the model.
With over EUR 762,500 in funding from the European Union, the project has reached more than 52,000 people across Adamawa State. As the program concludes, it leaves behind strengthened systems, trained local organizations, and empowered communities better equipped to face future floods—and a model for urban anticipatory action that can inform future interventions across the region.