NDMA to combat flooding in 3 counties

Liberia’s National Disaster Management Agency (NDMA) announces readiness to respond to severe flooding in Montserrado, Grand Bassa, and Margibi counties with support from the Red Cross.

By Kruah Thompson 

Monrovia, Liberia, August 9, 2024: The National Disaster Management Agency (NDMA) has received significant support from the Red Cross and other partners to address severe flooding that has recently impacted communities in Montserrado, Grand Bassa, and Margibi counties. 

In recent months, heavy rains have caused extensive flooding in these areas, submerging homes and infrastructure and displacing many residents. The situation has worsened, with reports indicating that other parts of the country are also struggling with coastal erosion and flooding.

Flooding in Liberia is a recurrent issue, exacerbated by residents building in mangrove swamps and blocking drainage pathways intended to channel water into major drainage systems.

This problem is particularly influenced by the country’s geographic and climatic conditions. Liberia’s tropical rainforest climate results in heavy rainfall, especially during the rainy season from May to October. 

This intense rainfall often leads to seasonal flooding, impacting communities, infrastructure, and agriculture. It also damages homes, displaces residents, disrupts livelihoods, and strains infrastructure and public services.

Our August 1, 2024, edition reported the severity of this year’s flooding, noting that other parts of the country were also significantly affected by coastal erosion. The report further highlighted that, without intervention, residents in these areas were at risk of losing their homes.

However, On Thursday, August 8, 2024, during a regular press briefing at the Ministry of Information, Culture, and Tourism (MICAT), Mr. Ansu V. Dulleh, Executive Director of the NDMA, highlighted the agency’s response to the crisis. He announced that international partners have stepped in to assist with the relief efforts.

Director Dulleh explained that the NDMA, in collaboration with the Red Cross and other partners, has mobilized resources to initiate search and rescue operations. “Our dedicated teams are on the ground in these regions, working tirelessly to locate and assist those in distress, ensuring that no one is left behind,” he said. “We are committed to providing immediate relief and support to those affected.”

The NDMA has activated several clusters to address the needs arising from the flooding, including communication and coordination, health and safety, search and rescue, shelter and water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH).

Additionally, Director Dulleh revealed that each of these clusters comprises skilled professionals and volunteers working together to deliver aid to the most vulnerable.

He added that UN Women have established a joint UN food response working group in collaboration with the World Food Program to support flood-affected individuals. 

According to him, the World Food Program will provide emergency food assistance through mobile money transfers to 5,200 households (26,000 individuals) in Montserrado, Margibi, and Grand Bassa Counties.

He expressed gratitude to the partners and President Joseph Nyumah Boakai for their intervention and emphasized the need for collective action to address future disasters. 

“This incident serves as a wake-up call for all Liberians to engage in policy advocacy, community awareness, and individual preparedness,” he said. “Together, we must strive to mitigate the impact of future disasters, foster resilient communities, and safeguard our shared environment.” He urged. Editing by Jonathan Browne