– IN GRAND CAPE MOUNT COUNTY
The Liberia National Red Cross Society (LNRCS), in collaboration with key national and local stakeholders, has conducted a two-day Flood Simulation Exercise in Robertsport, Grand Cape Mount County. The exercise organized under the theme: “Strengthening Community Resilience through Early Warning and Coordinated Flood Response” aims to assess the preparedness and response capacity of the Liberian Red Cross and its stakeholders in mitigating disaster risks effectively.
Speaking on the significance of the exercise, LNRCS Secretary-General, Gregory Blamoh, emphasized that strengthening Liberia’s disaster preparedness and response capacity is essential to safeguarding lives and protecting communities. “This flood simulation exercise is a proactive measure to ensure a coordinated and effective response to future flood emergencies.”, Mr. Blamoh has said.
The simulation will provide a unique platform for multi-sectoral engagement, fostering a coordinated and effective disaster response strategy that prioritizes early warning systems and community resilience. The exercise also bridges the gap by engaging stakeholders and local communities to enhance their capacity to respond effectively to flood-related emergencies.
Flooding remains one of the most pressing climate-related challenges in Liberia, with Grand Cape Mount County being among the most flood-prone regions in the country. Seasonal flooding frequently leads to displacement, infrastructure destruction, and economic losses, making disaster preparedness and response a critical national priority.
“Every disaster teaches us the value of readiness. Investing in preparedness today means fewer losses, quicker recovery, and stronger communities tomorrow.”, the Liberian Red Cross Secretary General has pointed out, emphasizing “Preparedness is the foundation of resilience. By strengthening early warning systems and community preparedness, we can reduce the devastating impact of floods and save lives.”
This initiative brings together key stakeholders, including the National Disaster Management Agency, Environmental Protection Agency, County Health Team, the Group of 77, Ministries of Agriculture and Gender, the Liberia National Police, the Robertsport City Corporation, and the County Superintendent. Their participation underscores a collective commitment to strengthening community resilience and improving flood response mechanisms.
The LNRCS Secretary-General noted that Disaster response is not the responsibility of one institution alone, adding that a well-coordinated effort between national and local stakeholders can ensure timely and effective interventions that protect vulnerable communities.
Also speaking after the event on behalf of the Secretary-general, the Board of Governance, and the entire Management of the Liberia National Red Cross Society the Head of Programs Christopher Johnson apricated all of the participants of the Orientation Workshop and the Launch of the Flood Anticipation Action and Preparedness for Effective Response Simulation Exercise, in Robertsport, Grand Cape Mount County.
“Robertsport, with its unique coastal and riverine landscape, remains highly vulnerable to the devastating effects of flooding, endangering lives, livelihoods, and infrastructure. Year after year, we have witnessed the disruption caused by these disasters—displacement, loss of property, food insecurity, and strained local resources. These recurring challenges underscore the importance of anticipatory action—a proactive approach that emphasizes early warning, preparedness, and rapid response to minimize the impacts of disasters before they escalate into humanitarian crises. He asserted.
The Flood Simulation Exercise is a part of the broader Early Warning for All initiative, supported by Irish Aid and the Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency (Sida) through the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) to safeguard lives, livelihoods, and essential assets by ensuring that timely, accurate, and actionable hazard information reaches vulnerable communities.
As Liberia continues to grapple with climate-induced disasters, initiatives such as this Flood Simulation Exercise reinforce the commitment of the Liberian Red Cross and its partners to improving disaster preparedness, response, and resilience across the country.
