By Precious D. Freeman
The Liberia National Red Cross Society (LNRCS) has successfully completed full payment of emergency cash transfers to 1,500 families severely affected by unprecedented floods that struck in June and July 2024.
These devastating floods impacted numerous regions, particularly in Bong, Grand Cape, and Montserrado Counties, leaving many families grappling with urgent needs.
In a commendable effort to support these communities, each affected family received a total of US$185, distributed in two installments. This cash assistance has reached approximately 13,100 individuals across 21 communities, aimed at alleviating the immediate pressures caused by the flooding.
In addition to the cash transfers, the LNRCS is organizing shelter support for 400 families whose homes were either partially or completely destroyed. Each of these families will receive an additional US$150 to assist in repairing their homes, which is critical for their long-term recovery.
This dual approach of providing both immediate cash assistance and shelter support underscores the Red Cross’s commitment to comprehensive recovery efforts.
To facilitate these initiatives, the LNRCS secured over half a million United States Dollars from the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) through its Disaster Relief Emergency Fund (DREF) in July.
The European Union has also contributed to the IFRC emergency fund, bolstering the response to this natural disaster and ensuring that aid reaches those most in need.
Recognizing the need for sustainable recovery, the LNRCS has distributed essential cleaning tools—including wheelbarrows, shovels, whippers, and cutlasses—to each affected community.
This initiative encourages residents to engage in regular environmental cleaning and drainage maintenance, crucial components of disaster risk reduction strategies.
LNRCS Secretary General, Gregory T. Blamoh, emphasized the importance of community involvement in recovery processes. “Together, we are helping communities recover and build back stronger.
The Red Cross and its partners are not just providing immediate relief but are also working closely with the affected communities to promote long-term resilience. We believe that community engagement in activities like drainage clearing is vital to minimizing the impact of future floods.”
Mr. Blamoh further stressed that the LNRCS and its partners are dedicated to helping affected communities recover, rebuild, and fortify their resilience against the increasing threats posed by climate change.
“We recognize that addressing the root causes of vulnerability is essential. Our focus is on empowering communities to adapt and implement mitigation measures to withstand future climate shocks,” he stated.
The LNRCS has been collaborating with various stakeholders, including local government bodies and international NGOs, to ensure a coordinated recovery process.
This partnership approach aims to tackle not only the immediate effects of the flooding but also the underlying issues of climate vulnerability, such as coastal erosion and environmental degradation.
Local leaders and community members have praised the Red Cross’s efforts. “The support we are receiving is a lifeline for us. It not only helps us recover from this disaster but also prepares us for future challenges,” said a community leader from Bong County.
Many residents expressed gratitude for the assistance, highlighting the significant impact on their daily lives.
In addition to cash transfers and shelter support, the LNRCS is also conducting workshops aimed at educating community members about disaster preparedness and resilience building.
These sessions cover topics such as emergency response planning, the importance of maintaining clean drainage systems, and sustainable agricultural practices that can withstand flooding.
As the LNRCS continues its work in the affected areas, it remains focused on long-term recovery strategies.
The organization plans to establish ongoing support programs that will help families not only recover from the immediate effects of the floods but also prepare for future challenges.
As part of its comprehensive recovery strategy, the LNRCS is actively engaging youth and local leaders in the recovery process.
Recognizing that young people play a vital role in their communities, the Red Cross has initiated programs aimed at training youth volunteers in disaster response and community resilience.
These programs not only empower young people with skills but also foster a sense of ownership and responsibility in shaping their community’s future.
Local leaders have also been instrumental in the recovery efforts. Their deep understanding of community dynamics has facilitated effective communication and mobilization of resources.
“We are not just beneficiaries; we are partners in this recovery journey,” remarked a local chief from Grand Cape County. “The involvement of local leaders ensures that the assistance provided is relevant and meets the specific needs of our communities.”
In light of the flooding’s impact, the LNRCS is also expanding its outreach to ensure that no family is left behind. By setting up information centers in the most affected areas, the organization is providing families with resources and guidance on accessing assistance.
These centers serve as hubs for distributing information about available support services, health resources, and workshops focused on recovery and resilience.
The LNRCS is also collaborating with other NGOs and government agencies to create a more extensive support network.
This collaborative effort aims to streamline resources and avoid duplication of services, ensuring that aid reaches those who need it most efficiently.
In addition to addressing physical needs, the Red Cross recognizes the importance of mental health support in the recovery process.
The psychological impact of flooding and displacement can be profound, and many families are grappling with trauma and stress. To address this, the LNRCS has partnered with mental health professionals to provide counseling services and support groups for affected individuals.
Workshops that focus on coping strategies, stress management, and community healing are being organized in collaboration with local health clinics.
These initiatives aim to foster a supportive environment where community members can share their experiences and begin the healing process together.
Agriculture, a vital source of livelihood for many families, has been severely impacted by the floods. To support food security and sustainable farming practices, the LNRCS is implementing agricultural training programs.
These programs teach families how to utilize resilient farming techniques, such as crop rotation and organic farming, which can withstand the challenges posed by climate change and extreme weather conditions.
By providing seeds, tools, and training on best practices, the LNRCS aims to revitalize agricultural production in affected areas.
This initiative not only addresses immediate food insecurity but also helps to establish a more resilient agricultural sector in the long run.
To ensure the effectiveness of its programs, the LNRCS is implementing a robust monitoring and evaluation system.
This system tracks the impact of cash transfers, shelter support, and community engagement initiatives, allowing the organization to make data-driven decisions and adapt its strategies as needed.
Regular feedback sessions with community members are integral to this process, enabling the LNRCS to hear directly from those it serves. “We want to know what’s working and what isn’t,” said Mr. Blamoh.
“The communities are our best partners in this journey, and their insights are invaluable in shaping our response.”
Looking ahead, the LNRCS is committed to developing long-term preparedness initiatives that will equip communities to better handle future disasters.
This includes the establishment of early warning systems that can provide timely alerts about potential flooding or severe weather events.
Community-based disaster risk management committees are being formed to develop localized disaster response plans. These committees will empower communities to take proactive measures in preparing for and responding to emergencies, thereby reducing vulnerability to future disasters.
The ongoing response to the devastating floods of June and July 2024 by the Liberia National Red Cross Society exemplifies a comprehensive approach to disaster recovery.
By focusing on immediate relief while simultaneously addressing long-term resilience, the LNRCS is not only helping families rebuild their lives but also empowering communities to thrive in the face of adversity.
As Liberia continues to confront the realities of climate change and its associated risks, the collaborative efforts of the LNRCS, local leaders, and community members will be essential in fostering a culture of preparedness and resilience.
Through sustained engagement, innovative programming, and a commitment to community empowerment, the Red Cross is paving the way for a stronger, more resilient Liberia.
The LNRCS’s ongoing initiatives serve as a testament to the power of community solidarity and the effectiveness of collaborative humanitarian efforts in building a brighter future for all Liberians.
