By Precious D. Freeman
Calm has returned to River Cess County following recent flood disasters that severely impacted local communities.
The Joint Inter Sectoral Response and Rescue Team, comprising the Ministry of Internal Affairs, the National Disaster Management Agency (NDMA), and the Armed Forces of Liberia, has initiated cleanup efforts at the Cestos Bridge, which has been closed for several days due to flooding.
The Cestos Bridge is a critical infrastructure that links River Cess and Sinoe Counties, facilitating transportation across a major corridor that connects Central, Western, and South-Central Liberia to the Southeast.
The bridge’s closure has created significant challenges for residents, hindering access to essential services and disrupting the flow of goods and services.
Recent heavy rainfall caused the Cestos River to overflow its banks, submerging the bridge and affecting several towns and villages, significantly disrupting movement for residents and commuters.
Local roads were also rendered impassable, isolating communities and creating urgent needs for food, water, and medical supplies.
As the tides of the river subside and the immediate crisis eased, the focus of the response team has shifted from emergency measures to recovery efforts.
The cleanup at Cestos Bridge is underway, with teams working to remove debris and restore safe passage for vehicles and pedestrians.
Authorities have expressed gratitude for the dedication and resources deployed to manage the situation, highlighting the team’s commitment to restoring normalcy in the region.
“The collaboration among agencies has been instrumental in addressing this disaster and ensuring that we support our communities effectively”, said a spokesperson for the NDMA.
Local officials are optimistic about the recovery process, which aims to rehabilitate affected areas and support the vulnerable populations impacted by the floods.
Plans are being developed to provide temporary housing for those displaced, along with health services to address potential waterborne diseases.
Community leaders are also engaging residents to assess long-term recovery needs, emphasizing the importance of resilience planning to mitigate the impact of future flooding.
“We must learn from this experience and work towards solutions that protect our communities,” stated a local council representative.
As the situation stabilizes, recovery efforts will continue to focus on restoring infrastructure, providing humanitarian assistance, and enhancing community preparedness for potential future disasters.
The collective response is a testament to the resilience of the River Cess community and its commitment to overcoming the challenges posed by natural disasters.
