Liberia Flood Victims Demand Action as Aid Disappears and…

In River Cess County, residents continue to face challenges from devastating floods that occurred six months ago. Promised aid has not arrived, with allegations that local officials diverted resources for personal gain. Experts emphasize the need for improved disaster readiness due to worsening climate conditions, warning that inaction could lead Liberia to further economic decline and social unrest.

In River Cess County, communities are grappling with the substantial aftermath of devastating floods nearly six months ago. These floods, attributed to the rising waters of the Cestos and Teekpor Rivers, obliterated crops and businesses, destroying 27 homes and resulting in at least one fatality. Despite promises from local officials for aid, residents report that assistance has not materialized.

Mohammed Keita, a 72-year-old farmer from ITI, expressed his frustration, stating, “I was highly affected and up to now, no response, no concern from the Liberian government.” Despite assurances from Senator Bill Twehway about the provision of aid, including rice and oil, the promised delivery never reached those in need.

Locals claim that aid intended for flood victims was instead pilfered by agents of the Disaster Management Agency en route, with reports of it being sold instead of distributed. Town chief Mahyeadeh Zar remarked, “They make business with those things and go about their business,” showcasing the extent of community distrust.

Ansu Dulleh, head of Liberia’s Disaster Management Agency, stated that an investigation into the missing aid was underway. Meanwhile, the only assistance received has come from the Catholic Justice and Peace Commission, which provided $U160 to 180 households in Glanyah, leaving residents in dire need of additional support as they attempt to rebuild.

As the rainy season looms, experts warn that the government must intensify its preparedness initiatives due to increasingly severe flooding linked to climate change. The Liberia Disaster Agency noted that 100,000 individuals were affected by flooding in 2024, underscoring the urgency of intervention measures.

The lack of enforcement of environmental protection laws, combined with increasing deforestation, exacerbates flood risk. The World Bank cautioned that without significant action, climate change could severely impact Liberia’s economy, pushing more individuals into poverty by 2050.

Environmentalist Sampson Williams criticized the government’s inaction regarding climate change, noting, “nationally, I don’t think that the government is doing much to reduce the impact of climate change on its people.” As a result, tensions reminiscent of Liberia’s civil conflict may emerge amidst rising poverty and environmental neglect.

Residents describe the ongoing struggles faced daily, with basic resources like clean water and food becoming increasingly scarce. Jerome Nyenka, a professor, asserts that government-led awareness campaigns are essential to educate communities about flood risks and environmental preservation to help mitigate future disasters. He admonishes, “Look around us, people are building in waterways.”

Ultimately, communities feel abandoned, pleading for tangible government assistance rather than empty promises. As Keita poignantly states, “We need real change, not empty promises.”

In conclusion, nearly six months following the floods in River Cess County, affected communities remain in desperate need of support and assistance, feeling neglected by governmental bodies. Serious allegations of mismanaged aid compound their struggles, along with the increasing threat of climate change and its devastating impact on their livelihoods. To prevent further disasters and poverty, urgent action and effective policies from the government are imperative.

Original Source: frontpageafricaonline.com