One person has been reported dead and dozens made homeless around the country, including Montserrado, Bong, Grand Cape Mount, Rivercess, Sinoe, and Grand Bassa Counties, due to flood, following heavy downpour of rain early this week.
In Electoral District 16, Montserrado County, affected communities were Island Clinic, Tweh Farm, on the Bushrod Island; Samuel Kanyon Doe Community, located within the vicinity of the Freeport of Monrovia; as well as Crawhole in Sinkor, among others.
Because of the severe flooding following the heavy downpour of rain for days, one person (a child) was killed and over 1,500 families made homeless.
This was confirmed to the media by Representative Dixon Seboe of Electoral District #16, Montserrado County, who made a save-our-soul (SOS) call to the public for assistance for the homeless people yesterday in Monrovia.
According to him, he has made L$100,000.00 and 50 bags of the rice available to the flood victims, while at the same time appealing to members of the public to come to the assistance of the people.
The flood also rendered several residents homeless in Kru Town in Robertsport, Grand Cape Mount County, as well as in Kpatawee, Rubber Factory, Civil Compound, and Brooklyn Communities in Bong.
The same happened in Cestos, Rivercess; Greenville, Sinoe; and Buchanan, Grand Bassa Counties, as residents in those rural communities struggle with heavy precipitation.
However, the Liberia National Red Cross Society (LNRCS) has launched a local emergency appeal fund of US$20,000 to provide vital assistance to communities affected by the recent flooding in Liberia.
The situation has been described as “extremely devastating” by the Red Cross’s initial assessment.
To address the urgent needs of the affected communities, the LNRCS is appealing to individuals, organizations, businesses, government entities, and foreign partners to contribute to the emergency appeal fund. The funds raised will be used to secure food and non-food items for those in urgent need.
The situation is expected to worsen as the National Disaster Management Agency’s Weather bug predicts continued heavy rainfall throughout September.
Therefore, it is crucial to mobilize support and donations to aid the affected communities in Robertsport, Grand Cape Mount, Gbarnga, Bong County, and parts of Monrovia in Montserrado County. We need to also be prepared to help those who may come to us in the days ahead.
The LNRCS, a vital pillar of hope and support for affected communities, is currently facing an insufficiency of resources to effectively sustain its humanitarian operations and address critical needs.
The Liberian Red Cross is therefore calling for urgent support from all sectors to help these communities recover quickly and build resilience against future shocks.
The LNRCS recently highlighted the pressing humanitarian needs within communities that demand immediate action.
Liberia faces various humanitarian challenges, including natural disasters, inadequate access to clean water, food insecurity, and heightened socioeconomic vulnerabilities.
In commemoration of World Humanitarian Day, the LNRCS emphasized the significance of addressing these challenges through local action, resource mobilization, and collective participation.
In July of this year, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) issued a stern warning to the population, regarding heavy rainfalls that are expected to cause flooding in various parts of the country. It urged residents to take immediate precautionary measures to safeguard their lives and properties during this critical weather event.
The EPA said its primary concern is safeguarding public health and the environment. With the imminent threat of flooding, the agency says it is imperative that all residents of Liberia act responsibly and collectively to mitigate potential risks.
“You have to stay informed and updated with the latest weather forecasts, advisories, and emergency warnings, to remain aware of the changing conditions,” the statement warned in July of this year.
It went further that people should refrain from walking or driving through flooded areas, especially during heavy rainfalls. Seek higher ground if you encounter rising water levels.
