Assessment of Emergency Communication Systems in Kebbi State During Flood Disaster Events

Effective emergency communication systems are critical for coordinating disaster response, disseminating public warnings, and supporting humanitarian logistics during flood events, which are among the most frequent natural disasters affecting Kebbi State in North West Nigeria. This study assesses the performance and adequacy of emergency communication systems deployed during flood disaster events in Kebbi State, drawing on documented incidents from the 2022 and 2023 flood seasons. A mixed-methods approach was employed, combining structured interviews with twenty-two emergency management officials, telecommunications operators, and community emergency responders from the National Emergency Management Agency and Kebbi State Emergency Management Agency, alongside review of after-action reports and communication logs. Results indicate that reliance on standard GSM networks during floods was problematic, with extensive network outages recorded as towers were physically damaged or lost power in affected local government areas. Satellite phones were available at only three of fourteen surveyed emergency coordination centers. Radio communication coverage was inadequate in rural flood zones, and no inter-agency communication protocol existed to coordinate network resources during emergencies. The study recommends investment in ruggedized emergency communication terminals at local government level, pre-positioning of portable satellite communication equipment at state emergency centers, development of an inter-agency emergency communication protocol for Kebbi State, and regular joint communication drills. Keywords: emergency communication, flood disaster, Kebbi State, disaster response, satellite communication.