The National Disaster Management Agency (NDMA) of Liberia has disclosed that flooding has impacted several communities in Montserrado, Grand Bassa and Margibi Counties. Speaking Thursday, August 8, 2024, Ansu Dolleh, Executive Director of NDMA, indicated that weather patterns have become increasingly volatile due to climate change. The Agency had earlier predicted this occurrence on June 28, 2024, and warned of an imminent increase in flooding events.
But Dolleh said the stark reality of those predictions as heavy rainfall has led to unprecedented flooding levels, exceeding what was previously expected. In the aftermath of the severe downpour, he said several communities have been affected, with homes and infrastructure submerged, and many residents displaced.
According to him, the institution deeply empathizes with all those who have been impacted during this difficult time; it is heartbreaking to see families grapple with the immediate consequences of such intense rainfall, which has caused not only physical damage but also emotional and psychological strain. “Our commitment to supporting these individuals and families during this trying moment is more steadfast than ever,” he said.
Meanwhile, the National Disaster Management Agency (NDMA), in collaboration with the Liberian Red Cross and other partners, has promptly mobilized resources to initiate search and rescue operations.
Dolley revealed that the Agency has activated several clusters responsible for addressing specific needs arising from this crisis. These clusters include Communication and Coordination, Health and Safety, Search and Rescue, Shelter, Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH).
Dolley spoke of a stakeholder engagement platform – comprising head of line ministries and agencies with the expectation that controlled-mechanism will be managed properly which resulted in the activation of the flood response plan.
He noted that the agency conducted a holistic data collection and assessment of vulnerable communities affected by the flood in an effort to respond to humanitarian needs. Dolleh said the entity is engaging the One UN system to seek support for more than 48,000 flood victims across the three counties; however, there are pending reports from other counties that are not reflected in the 48,000 victims already provided.
“As I speak now, the Department of Risk and Early Warning have recorded more than 60,000 victims,” he said.
He further disclosed that the World Food Program will provide emergency food assistance through cash via mobile money to 5,200 households (26,000 individuals) displaced by the floods in Montserrado, Margibi, and Grand Bassa counties respectively.
Dolleh said the World Food Program (WFP) has mobilized USD 1.5 million for this purpose, and will leverage data collected by the Agency on the affected households, along with a physical verification exercise to validate the data and gather additional information needed to provide assistance.
