By Precious D. Freeman
The National Disaster Management Agency (NDMA), accompanied by media practitioners, has identified severe flooding in several communities as a significant human-induced hazard.
The tour, which included inspections of flood-affected areas in the Saint Paul Bridge and Red Hill Field Communities, highlighting the dire conditions faced by residents.
The General Chairperson for District 16, Philip Boye Merchant, expressed the gravity of the situation in Saint Paul Bridge.
He reported that flooding is a recurring issue every rainy season, leading to the loss of eight lives and said, “Our living conditions are extremely bad and risky.”
He emphasized the suffering endured by the community, particularly among children who are affected by illnesses such as cold and typhoid due to the flooding.
Merchant urged the government to provide assistance to alleviate the hardship.
In the Red Hill Field community, residents described the relentless challenge of water entering their homes.
Many have lived in these conditions for over two decades, unable to relocate due to financial constraints.
“We feel helpless in these conditions. We are poor and managing as best as we can. The government needs to step in and help us,” one resident lamented.
The Executive Director of the NDMA, Ansu Dulleh, addressed the concerns of the flood victims and acknowledged the severity of the situation and emphasized the need for increased budgetary support for the NDMA.
Dulleh noted that flooding is widespread across Liberia, with reports of affected areas in Grand Cape Mount County and Bo-waterside communities.
“The situation is overwhelming. We are calling on the government to boost our budget so we can better address the needs of the flood victims,” he said.
Dulleh attributed much of the flooding to human-induced hazards, citing improper construction on micro swamps.
He stressed the importance of educating the public on these issues and announced plans to distribute relief items to victims next month.
However, he underscored the need for a permanent solution to the problem.
Dulleh revealed that NDMA officials recently visited Foya to investigate seismic activity in the region.
He confirmed that a report has been submitted to the President and that plans are underway to relocate residents from Yekendu Town in Foya to higher ground for their safety.
The NDMA’s visit underscores the urgent need for comprehensive disaster management strategies and increased government support to address the challenges posed by flooding and other environmental hazards in Liberia.
