-Red Cross Appeals for Flood Victims.
By: G Bennie Bravo Johnson I
The Liberia National Red Cross Society is seeking assistance for disaster victims, especially those affected by flooding in various communities across Liberia.
The LNRCS holds the belief that it is crucial for individuals who can afford, to come together as a community and provide the necessary resources and support to help these individuals who have lost their homes and other valuables. This they said will help in rebuilding their lives and find solace in the face of adversity.
As a staunch advocate for humanity and welfare, the LNRCS urgently appeals to the public, organizations, businesses, and government entities to join hands in supporting its emergency appeal fund with a target of US$20,000.
According to them, the fund will play a crucial role in securing food and non-food items for those affected by the flooding and assist them in extending the much-needed relief to the different communities.
It can be recalled, LNRCS earlier September, 2023, launched a local emergency appeal to raise US$20,000 to provide vital assistance to the affected communities and individuals.
The Liberia National Red Cross Society through its national secretary general Gregory T. Blamoh provided that funds raised will be utilized to secure essential supplies, including food items, clean water, clothing, cooking utensils, and mosquito nets for those in urgent need.
He said the Red-Cross humanitarian efforts are focused on ensuring that affected individuals and communities receive immediate relief and support during difficult times.
“We are collaborating closely with local authorities, disaster management agencies, and other partners to coordinate our responses effectively.”
The LNRCS secretary general further asserted that Liberia is currently grappling with an extraordinary amount of rainfall, leading to widespread flooding in many areas of our nation.
“In this past week alone, we have witnessed the devastating impact on communities, particularly in Kru Town in Robertsport City and several communities in Bong County, including Kpatawee, Rubber Factory, Civil Compound, and Brooklyn.”
“The situation on Bushrod Island, affecting communities such as Red Hill, Crawhole, and Doe, is equally dire. Our initial assessment of the multiple hazards including flooding and sea erosion has revealed that the impact is extremely devastating.”
Statistically, the Red Cross provided that, In Robertsport, 274 people have been registered as victims of this tragedy. The LNRCS says over 189 families, and 941 individuals, are displaced from Civil Compound, Brooklyn and Rubber Factory communities in Bong County.
“Shockingly, out of these affected families, only 45 are headed by males, while 144 are managed by females in Bong. In Montserrado County, more than 781 people have been impacted, and we deeply mourn the loss of a child who tragically drowned in the floodwaters.”
“In these flood-affected counties, homes have been swallowed by the rising waters, leaving families displaced and their livelihoods shattered. Essential items such as cooking utensils, clothing, and bedding lost to the relentless waters and countless families facing displacement. Additionally, sources of drinking water have become contaminated, posing a severe risk to the health and well-being of the affected communities.”
“We at the forefront of the response operation, working tirelessly to provide aid, relief, and support to those affected by the floods. As a humanitarian organization, our commitment to safeguarding life and health while upholding the dignity of every individual remains unwavering.
However, the Red Cross added that the scale and number of disasters have put a strain on its resources, thereby putting the humanitarian organization in an urgent need that requires additional support to continue their operations effectively.
Howbeit, the LNRCS acknowledged that it understands the importance of rebuilding not just physical structures but also the spirits of those affected. By providing immediate assistance and support, they aim to restore hope and resilience in these communities, enabling them to rebuild their lives and stand strong against future shocks.
Meanwhile, the humanitarian organization predicted that it anticipates a worsening situation during the peak of the raining season, which will lead to more displacement and suffering.
“As the National Disaster Management Agency’s Weather bug predicts continued heavy rainfall is expected throughout September, we anticipate therefore that the situation may worsen, leading to more displacement and suffering.”
“Therefore, we earnestly call upon individuals, organizations, businesses, government entities, and foreign partners to contribute generously to our emergency appeal fund. Your contributions will make a significant difference in the lives of those affected by this crisis. We need to urgently secure and deliver essential items such as food, clean water, blankets, used clothing, mats, bath soap, hygiene kits, and shelter materials to the affected communities.”
“We urge everyone to join us in this critical mission. Your support, whether through financial contributions, in-kind donations, or volunteering, will make a significant difference in the lives of those affected by the floods. Let us stand in solidarity with the flood-affected communities and show them that they are not alone in this challenging time. Together, we can alleviate human suffering, restore dignity, transform communities, and save lives.”
At the same time, Red-Cross lauded the National Disaster Management Agency for their invaluable support in donating 500 bags of 25 KG of rice to the society, to assist with the victims’ compensation.
They described it as a significant contribution that will greatly aid efforts in assisting the affected communities and individuals during this challenging time.
Additionally, the LNRS extended gratitude to the Bea Mountain Mining Corporation for their compassionate gesture of 50 bags of 25 KG of rice, along with various essential food and nonfood items, which will undoubtedly help their relief efforts.
The Liberia National Red Cross Society also appreciated the County Health Team of Grand Cape Mount County for their generous contribution of 50 mosquito nets, which they see as a crucial resource in safeguarding the health and well-being of those affected. “These contributions collectively enhance our capacity to respond effectively to the pressing needs of the affected communities, and we remain profoundly appreciative of the support we have received.”
