By Precious D. Freeman
The Liberia National Red Cross Society (LNRCS) is rallying support for the study and rectification of Liberia’s Disaster Management Law, calling for a comprehensive disaster risk management framework to strengthen the country’s resilience to natural disasters.
Speaking at the Inception Meeting on “Steering Legal Framework for Disaster Response and Harmonization in Liberia” yesterday, the Secretary General of the LNRCS, Gregory Blamo, stressed the urgent need for a robust disaster law to protect vulnerable communities from the impacts of flooding and other climate-related emergencies.
“If we cannot limit what causes disaster, let’s build people’s resilience to cope with disaster,” Blamo stated.
Blamo explained that the purpose of the proposed disaster law is to empower authorities to take proactive measures in protecting communities.
He emphasized that discouraging people from occupying disaster-prone areas would help minimize casualties and damage when disasters strike.
“The idea of this disaster law is for us as an organization to be in the position to warn people, time enough so they can be able to leave from disaster-related areas to be able to save themselves,” Blamo explained.
He called on stakeholders to support the formulation and enactment of the Disaster Resilience Law, arguing that a legal framework would strengthen Liberia’s ability to respond to emergencies and protect citizens from harm.
“By working together on the formulation of this law, we will prevent people from being victimized by disaster,” Blamo said.
“We are near the rainy season, and it’s going to rain. Since we cannot stop the rain from coming, let’s do whatever we can to get our people out of harm’s way.”
Blamo noted that strengthening disaster preparedness in flood-prone areas remains one of Liberia’s most pressing climate-related challenges.
He stressed that improving the country’s disaster response framework is essential to saving lives and rebuilding communities more effectively after disasters.
“Every disaster teaches us the importance of readiness, and investing in preparedness today means fewer losses, quicker recovery, and stronger communities tomorrow,” Blamo stated.
He further highlighted that the disaster law study will identify critical gaps in Liberia’s disaster risk management system, enabling better coordination and high-level humanitarian diplomacy in disaster response.
“This Disaster Law study is a critical step. It will identify gaps in Liberia’s disaster risk management framework and mechanism, paving the way for high-level humanitarian diplomacy,” Blamo added.
Meanwhile, the participants expressed support for the initiative, recognizing the need for a structured disaster management framework.
The LNRCS, founded in 1966, has been at the forefront of humanitarian response in Liberia for decades. It became a member of the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) in 1967, aligning with the global humanitarian network.
During the Liberian Civil War (1989–2003), the LNRCS played a vital role in providing relief to those affected by the conflict, offering medical assistance, food, water, and shelter.
Despite the destruction of infrastructure and ongoing insecurity, the organization remained committed to alleviating the suffering of displaced people and war victims.
The LNRCS now seeks to enhance Liberia’s resilience to future disasters through a comprehensive legal framework, ensuring that communities are better prepared to face the growing threat of climate-related emergencies.
