By Grace Q. Bryant
The Executive Director of Liberia’s National Disaster Management Agency (NDMA), Ansu V.S. Dulleh, has announced that the World Bank has donated $20 million to enhance Liberia’s disaster preparedness and response capabilities.
Director Dulleh shared this news at the Ministry of Information, Culture and Tourism’s regular press briefing, highlighting that the funding is a strong show of support from the World Bank and underscores the urgent need for a comprehensive response framework for both immediate relief and long-term recovery.
According to Director Dulleh, the World Bank’s contribution will be allocated to crucial resources such as emergency shelter, food, clean water, and medical support for communities most vulnerable to disasters.
“This timely intervention is essential for stabilizing communities and equipping our response teams with the resources they need to react quickly and effectively,” Dulleh remarked.
Director Dulleh stated that a significant portion of the funding will be used to build the country’s disaster response infrastructure and improve training for personnel in best practices for disaster management.
“With these efforts, we aim to create a knowledgeable, self-sustaining workforce that will stand ready to address future emergencies,” he said.
Director Dulleh also expressed his gratitude for recent humanitarian support from the World Food Programme (WFP), which provided a $1.5 million cash assistance initiative.
“This program helped thousands of families to meet their specific needs during difficult times, empowering them to purchase essentials materials, support local markets, and strengthen their livelihoods.”
Dulleh commended the WFP’s program as an effective, dignified approach to disaster relief, reducing logistical challenges and empowering people to recover more independently.
As part of NDMA’s broader efforts, the agency has been actively working with local and international partners to provide relief to counties severely affected by recent flooding, including Rivercess, Nimba, Grand Cape Mount, and Montserrado.
He further said that NDMA support has included establishing temporary shelters, distributing hygiene kits, restoring damaged infrastructure, and educating communities on flood preparedness.
“Our goal is to ensure that communities not only recover but also become more resilient to future challenges,” Dulleh said.
He expressed appreciation for the continued partnership with the Liberian government and other agencies involved in rebuilding affected areas and reinforcing flood-prone regions.
He disclosed that Liberia’s disaster preparedness initiatives extend to the “Early Warning for All” program, backed by the United Nations Office for Disaster Risk Reduction (UNDRR).
He said the initiative is focused on enhancing Liberia’s early warning systems to deliver timely alerts of impending disasters, particularly in rural communities where local knowledge is being integrated into standardized response frameworks.
“This initiative does more than issue warnings; it empowers communities to respond swiftly and safely, ultimately saving lives”, Dulleh noted.
He added that Liberia has partnered with the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) to conduct a comprehensive flood risk assessment. “This assessment will identify high-risk areas and guide sustainable land use and flood-resistant agricultural practices.”
“For our agricultural communities, this is crucial. By protecting our farmlands and natural resources, we are safeguarding livelihoods and building a more resilient agricultural sector that can withstand climate-related impacts”, Dulleh explained.
Director Dulleh emphasized Liberia’s commitment to building a foundation of preparedness and resilience.
He expressed deep gratitude for the technical expertise, funding, and solidarity of Liberia’s international partners, stating that these contributions have been instrumental in the nation’s journey toward a safer, more resilient future.
“Liberia’s journey toward resilience is a shared endeavor,” he said. “Together, we are transforming our nation’s approach to disaster response, preparing for a safer, more resilient tomorrow,” he noted.
