By: Elbie Sebleh
MONROVIA: In the wake of the devastating flooding in Montserrado, Grand Bassa, and Margibi counties, Liberia finds itself grappling with the harsh reality of climate change’s impact on its communities.
The scenes of submerged homes and displaced families paint a heart-wrenching picture of the aftermath of the natural disasters.
Addressing the Ministry of Information press briefing Thursday, August 8,2024, Ansu Dolley, Director of the National Disaster Management Agency said, predictions of floods made recently have sadly materialized, exceeding expectations and leaving profound marks on the several affected areas.
He said that the commitment to supporting those affected remains resolute.
The National Disaster Management Agency (NDMA) is swiftly springing into action, collaborating with organizations such as the Liberian Red Cross Society to provide funds, aid and relief to the impacted communities.
The mobilization of resources for search and rescue missions reflects a dedicated effort to safeguard the well-being of those caught in the flood’s path.
According to him, the strategic response of the NDMA, organizing specific clusters to address the diverse needs arising from the disasters, demonstrates a structured and efficient approach to crisis management.
These clusters, focusing on critical areas such as communication, health, shelters, and water, play a vital role in delivering targeted assistance to those in need.
The unity of skilled professionals and volunteers within these clusters highlights the power of coordinated efforts in times of adversity.
Amidst the challenges posed by the flooding, the collaborative spirit and coordinated response led by the NDMA and its partners signify a beacon of hope for the affected communities.
By prioritizing the urgent needs of those most vulnerable, Liberia is working tirelessly to alleviate the impact of this disaster and provide essential services to rebuild and support its citizens during this trying time.
At the same time, Director Dolley disclosed that currently a Joint United National flood response working group has been established, with World Food Program (WFP) collaborating closely with NDMA and UN partners to support flood affected people, estimated to be 48,000 who in urgent need of assistance.
He added that WFP will provide emergency food assistance through cash via mobile money to 5,200 households (26,000 individuals) displaced by the floods in Monrovia, Kakata, and Buchanan in Montserrado, Margibi, Grand Bassa counties respectively.
Through our outreach approach, WFP has mobilized US$1.5 million for this purpose. WFP will leverage data collected by NDMA on the affected households, along with a physical verification exercise to validate the data and gather additional information needed to provide assistance, he disclosed.
At the same time, he disclosed that the WFP will engage 20 enumerators from both WFP and NDMA to conduct the exercise, supervised by technical staffs from both organizations. All logistics and financial arrangements have been completed, and the exercise commenced August 8, 2024, he revealed.
