The National Disaster Management Agency (NDMA) reports that over 60,000 residents living in lowland areas are at high risk of flooding and displacement. During a press briefing at the Ministry of Information on Tuesday, June 3, 2025, NDMA Executive Director Ansu Dulleh explained that “lowland areas” are located below sea level or in flood-prone zones where rainfall runoff quickly accumulates and overwhelms both natural and artificial drainage systems. There are already reports of flooding in areas that have never experienced it before, including parts of Nimba County and Grand Kru County.
This situation is a clear indication that the effects of climate change are intensifying, and structures that are not designed to withstand floods are likely to be severely affected, resulting in the displacement of vulnerable populations.
Dulleh mentioned that counties such as Bomi and Bong may see significant movement of people seeking shelter and safety, leading to an increased risk of waterborne diseases, as well as outbreaks of cholera and typhoid.
He also pointed out that wetlands are being illegally occupied and developed, exacerbating the impact of flooding. The NDMA director noted that under the leadership of President Joseph Nyuma Boakai, Executive Order #141 has been enacted, placing a moratorium on all encroachments into wetlands. This is a significant step toward protecting Liberia’s fragile ecosystems and reducing the risks associated with man-made disasters.
“Most of our problems are created by ourselves. When we build on wetlands that are meant for natural water retention, we disrupt nature, and nature retaliates. Snakes, alligators, and other waterborne threats will emerge when water tries to reclaim what we’ve taken,” Dulleh added.
He also mentioned that the NDMA is collaborating with the Ministry of Public Works, the Liberia Meteorological Agency, and other stakeholders under the World Bank-funded Urban Resilience Project to prepare communities for flooding.
As part of this initiative, early warning systems are being improved, and simulation exercises for epidemics, fire outbreaks, and flood responses are being conducted to test national readiness. A disaster risk management consultant, designated by the World Bank, has been embedded within the NDMA from June to September to assist in developing a risk financing strategy. This initiative aims to trigger emergency response funding from the Bank when necessary.
In the meantime, Dulleh urged the public to remain vigilant and pay attention to all early warning messages. “We advise every citizen to adhere to all safety protocols to mitigate the impact of flooding and related hazards,” he said.
In the event of an emergency, he encouraged citizens to contact the NDMA via its emergency hotline at 2024, or reach out through other emergency numbers such as 911 or 4455.
