Liberia: Community Outrage Over Missing Aid Six Months After Floods

Libera’s River Cess communities feel abandoned, with no aid arriving six months after severe floods devastated the area. Allegations of misappropriated aid have surfaced, while experts are urging the government to take decisive action against climate change impacts. Affected residents are struggling with food scarcity and contaminated water, calling for urgent solutions and accountability.

In Liberia, residents of River Cess County express frustration over the lack of government aid following devastating floods that occurred nearly six months ago. The floods, which resulted from rising waters from the Cestos and Teekpor Rivers, destroyed homes, crops, and businesses, claiming at least one life. Despite assurances from local authorities regarding aid delivery, affected individuals have received no support, feeling abandoned by their government.

Mohammed Keita, a 72-year-old farmer, shared his emotional distress, stating his farm was washed away without any response from the local government. Senator Bill Twehway had previously announced a donation of rice and other essentials, but residents claim the aid was misappropriated by local Disaster Agency agents en route.

Town chief Mahyeadeh Zar described witnessing the aid being unloaded and sold rather than distributed to those in need. Ansu Dulleh, head of the Disaster Management Agency, promised an investigation into the missing aid, emphasizing the need for accountability.

The only assistance that has reached the community came from the Catholic Justice and Peace Commission, which provided limited financial support to 180 households. As locals struggle for food, water, and shelter, experts highlight the need for government intervention to prepare for increasingly severe rainy seasons exacerbated by climate change.

Floods in 2024 affected approximately 100,000 individuals in Liberia, with River Cess, Bong, and Grand Cape Mount being hardest hit. Experts have warned that climate change impacts are escalating rapidly, worsened by inadequate enforcement of building regulations, contributing to destructive flooding. The World Bank cautioned that failure to address climate issues could severely harm Liberia’s economy and worsen poverty.

Environmentalists criticized the government for its lack of proactive measures to mitigate climate change impacts, while also voicing concerns about allegations of corruption within the Disaster Management Agency. Community members continue to grapple with the aftermath of the floods, some, like Princess Nanna, experiencing daily hardships as their means of livelihood have been obliterated.

Contaminated water sources due to flooding pose additional health risks, leaving residents with limited options for clean drinking water. Jerome Nyenka, a professor at the University of Liberia, called for an urgent government education campaign to raise awareness about building regulations and environmental protection. As tensions rise amid climate change and economic challenges, it is crucial for the government to fulfill its obligations to the affected residents.

Residents in flood-impacted areas of Liberia express urgent frustration over the lack of assistance six months after catastrophic floods. Promised aid has allegedly been misappropriated, leaving communities to fend for themselves amidst ongoing struggles for food and clean water. Experts stress the need for government intervention to prepare for future flooding and enforce environmental regulations, warning of potential socio-economic repercussions if immediate action is not taken.

Original Source: frontpageafricaonline.com