Red Cross Sets US$1.14M Relief Plan for Flood-Hit Families in Six Counties
The Red Cross’s third major emergency intervention this year aims to address the severe flooding impacting Margibi, Montserrado, Grand Cape Mount, Bong, Nimba, and Grand Bassa counties. With over 76,000 people affected and 5,000 displaced, the organization is providing vital support to restore livelihoods and access essential services.
MONROVIA, Liberia — The Liberia National Red Cross Society (LNRCS) has announced a new emergency operation valued at more than US$1.144 million to assist families affected by recent flooding in six counties across the country.
The operation will support 1,375 households, or about 7,525 people, with cash assistance, shelter support, safe-water supplies and disease-prevention materials, according to LNRCS Secretary General Gregory T. Blamoh.
Blamoh made the announcement Tuesday, September 22, at a news conference at the Red Cross headquarters in Monrovia. He said the flood response is the organization’s third major emergency intervention this year, following earlier responses to windstorms and fire disasters.
Heavy rainfall in August caused rivers, streams and drainage systems to overflow in several parts of Liberia, leaving communities flooded and damaging homes, roads, schools, health centers, markets and bridges.
The counties most affected are Margibi, Montserrado, Grand Cape Mount, Bong, Nimba and Grand Bassa, the Red Cross said.
Initial assessments show that more than 76,000 people from over 15,200 households were affected by the floods. More than 5,000 people were displaced from their homes, while many communities lost access to safe drinking water and basic services.
The Red Cross said many affected families lost food, clothing, household items and income sources. Farmers, small-scale traders, fishers and daily wage workers were among those most seriously affected.
“With food stocks destroyed and livelihoods interrupted, many families are now at greater risk of hunger and poor living conditions,” Blamoh said.
Under the emergency plan, the LNRCS will provide direct cash assistance to 1,375 flood-affected families to help them purchase food and other urgent household items.
Another 350 households whose homes were destroyed or badly damaged will receive extra cash support to begin repairs or reconstruction.
The Red Cross will also repair damaged hand pumps and wells in affected communities. Water-treatment chemicals will be distributed to help families make drinking water safer, while mosquito nets will be provided to reduce the risk of malaria.
Blamoh said contaminated water sources have raised concerns about possible outbreaks of waterborne illnesses. Flooded communities are also facing increased exposure to malaria, especially where families are living in temporary shelters or overcrowded conditions.
The latest flood operation follows two earlier emergency responses carried out by the LNRCS this year.
The organization previously assisted 213 families, or 2,792 people, affected by windstorms in Nimba and Lofa Counties. It also supported 176 families, totaling 1,643 people, following fire disasters in Montserrado, Margibi, Nimba, Rivercess and Grand Cape Mount Counties.
Blamoh said the Red Cross is using a response approach that focuses on quick assistance and respect for the dignity of disaster victims. Instead of relying only on donated items, the organization provides unrestricted cash so families can decide what they need most.
He said this approach allows affected households to address urgent needs more quickly while receiving materials and support to regain stability after a disaster.
The LNRCS said it will continue working through its county chapters and community volunteers to assess conditions, identify the most vulnerable households and deliver assistance to communities affected by the floods.
