| Abstract: |
Flood disasters have continued to pose serious threats to lives, property
and livelihoods in many flood-prone communities in Anambra State,
Nigeria. Despite the availability of early warning information, inadequate
community preparedness and limited public participation have continued
to increase vulnerability to flooding. This study examined the application
of mock drills and early warning systems in tackling flood disasters
through interpersonal communication in Anambra State. Specifically, the
study determined the extent to which interpersonal communication
facilitates the application of mock drills, examined its effectiveness in the
dissemination and utilisation of early warning systems, assessed the
influence of mock drills on community preparedness, and determined the
influence of early warning systems on flood disaster preparedness. The
study was anchored on the Diffusion of Innovations Theory. A survey
research design was adopted, while the study was conducted in five floodprone Local Government Areas of Anambra State, namely Ogbaru,
Anambra West, Anambra East, Ayamelum and Awka North. The study
population comprised 1,389,938 residents, from which a sample size of
384 was determined using the Krejcie and Morgan (1970) sample size
table. A multistage sampling technique was employed to select the
respondents. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire, of
which 372 copies (96.9%) were validly returned and analysed. Descriptive
statistics comprising frequency counts, percentages and mean scores were
used to answer the research questions, while chi-square (?²) was employed
to test the hypotheses at the 0.05 level of significance. The findings
revealed that interpersonal communication facilitates the application of
mock drills to a high extent (Grand Mean = 3.22), is highly effective in the
dissemination and utilisation of early warning systems (Grand Mean =
3.24), while mock drills (Grand Mean = 3.27) and early warning systems
(Grand Mean = 3.29) significantly enhance community preparedness for
flood disasters. The study concludes that integrating interpersonal
communication with mock drills and early warning systems strengthens
community preparedness, promotes timely protective actions and
enhances resilience against flood disasters in Anambra State. The study
recommends regular community-based mock drills, strengthened peoplecentred early warning systems, greater involvement of traditional and
religious leaders in disaster communication, and sustained public
awareness campaigns to improve flood disaster preparedness. |
