By Precious D. Freeman
The Secretary General of the Liberia National Red Cross Society (LNRCS), Gregory T. Blamoh, has reported severe flooding across Liberia due to persistent heavy rainfall that began in June and has continued through July and August.
The floods have affected over 100,000 people, particularly in Monrovia and its surrounding areas, as indicated by the National Disaster Management Agency (NDMA).
Blamoh highlighted that the majority of those impacted are women, children, and other vulnerable groups, including the physically challenged and single mothers and acknowledged that many are currently taking refuge in temporary shelters or with neighbors and relatives.
“The LNRCS has expressed deep concern for the thousands of families who have lost their homes, belongings, and sources of income due to the floods. Our thoughts and prayers are with those affected by this disaster,” said Blamoh.
In response, Red Cross volunteers and staff have been actively involved in evacuating affected individuals and conducting joint assessments with the NDMA, local community structures, and Community-Based Action Teams (CBATs). These assessments reveal the devastating impact of the flooding.
Blamoh announced that the International Federation of the Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) has provided US$537,835.94 from its Disaster Relief Emergency Fund (DREF) to support the relief efforts. Additionally, the European Union (EU) through Civil Protection and Humanitarian Aid Operations (ECHO) has contributed US$141,028.55.
The funds will assist 1,500 households, totaling 13,100 people, in Montserrado, Bong, and Grand Cape Mount counties. Each household will receive US$185 over two months to help purchase essential items.
Families with severely damaged homes will receive US$150 for repairs. The Red Cross will also provide cleaning tools, clean and chlorinate contaminated water sources, distribute insecticide-treated nets, and offer first aid and psychosocial support.
Blamoh emphasized the importance of continued vigilance and proactive measures as the Liberia Meteorological Department has forecasted continued rains through September 2024 across six counties: Montserrado, Bong, Cape Mount, Margibi, Grand Bassa, and Maryland.
The LNRCS calls on additional stakeholders to join their relief efforts. The society is also coordinating with the Ministry of Health and the Ministry of Finance and Development Planning to release further subsidies to support their response.
“The needs are enormous, and while our efforts are a start, we urge others to contribute to helping the many Liberians affected by this flood,” Blamoh said.
