Liberia: Flood Victims Frustrated as Aid Disappears Six Months After Disaster

Communities in River Cess County, Liberia, feel abandoned as aid promised after devastating floods fails to materialize. Local allegations suggest disaster management officials sold aid instead of delivering it to flood victims. Experts urge government action on climate adaptation and disaster preparedness to address the ongoing crisis and prevent further turmoil as rural poverty rises.

In River Cess County, Liberia, communities are still reeling from the devastating floods that occurred nearly six months ago. The disaster, which resulted from rising water levels in the Cestos and Teekpor Rivers, destroyed crops and homes, leading to significant loss of life and property. Despite earlier assurances from local officials, affected residents have seen little to no assistance, leading to feelings of abandonment by the government.

Mohammed Keita, a 72-year-old farmer, expressed his frustration regarding the lack of government response. “I was highly affected and up to now, no response, no concern from the Liberian government, neither our county authorities,” he lamented. Although Senator Bill Twehway promised support in the form of food aid, it never materialized, fueling allegations that local representatives sold the aid instead of delivering it to those in need.

Town chief Mahyeadeh Zar claimed he witnessed local agents selling the aid items intended for flood victims. Worse still, the only assistance that has reached affected households came from the Catholic Justice and Peace Commission, which provided modest financial aid to residents facing food insecurity and ongoing recovery challenges.

While the floods brought significant destruction, experts emphasize that climate change is exacerbating these environmental disasters. They call for increased government efforts to prepare for and mitigate the effects of severe rainy seasons. According to the Liberia Disaster Agency, the previous year witnessed one of the worst rainy seasons on record, affecting over 100,000 individuals across multiple counties.

Ansu Dulleh, head of the Disaster Management Agency, acknowledged the need for immediate investigation into the missing aid, stating, “We will do an immediate investigation to see where the issue comes from.” However, residents are skeptical of government capacity to respond effectively, with environmentalist Sampson Williams criticizing the government’s inaction on climate adaptation policies that could reduce future disaster impacts.

Moreover, the aftermath of the floods has raised concerns regarding public health, particularly regarding water sources. Princess Nanna lamented the loss of her provision shop, vital for supporting her five children, arguing that she felt completely abandoned by the government. Professor Jerome Nyenka suggested that the government should launch awareness campaigns to educate citizens on safe construction practices to protect against flooding.

In summary, the distress experienced by flood-impacted communities in Liberia highlights the urgent need for governmental accountability and climate adaptation strategies. Residents are demanding tangible support, expressing their frustrations, and seeking actionable change rather than empty promises from authorities.

The situation in River Cess County underscores a significant disconnect between government assurances and the reality faced by flood-affected communities in Liberia. With complaints of aid misappropriation, lack of disaster preparedness, and health vulnerabilities exacerbated by climate change, the need for direct government intervention and support is critical. Residents urgently seek accountability and systemic changes to protect their futures, emphasizing the importance of immediate and effective disaster response measures.

Original Source: frontpageafricaonline.com