Liberia’s Flood Victims Demand Accountability as Aid Disappears

Residents of River Cess County express anger over the lack of aid following devastating floods six months ago. Accusations of corrupt practices by the Disaster Management Agency surface, while experts warn of worsening climate conditions. Community leaders call for urgent governmental reforms and support to help rebuild lives as they face another impending rainy season.

Nearly six months after severe floods devastated River Cess County, residents feel abandoned and frustrated by the lack of aid. The floods destroyed crops, homes, and resulted in at least one fatality. Those impacted have received little assistance despite promises made by government officials, leaving communities in a dire situation as they attempt to rebuild with another rainy season approaching.

Mohammed Keita, a 72-year-old farmer, expressed his anguish over the government’s inaction. “I was highly affected and up to now, no response, no concern from the Liberian government,” he lamented. Following the flooding, a legislative official announced that aid would be provided; however, the promised assistance has never materialized.

Residents allege that local agents of the Disaster Management Agency intercepted the aid and sold it in transit to various communities. Town chief Mahyeadeh Zar claimed to have witnessed the aid items being hoarded and misappropriated, indicating gross misconduct. The head of the Disaster Management Agency, Ansu Dulleh, stated that an investigation would take place to address the issue of the missing aid.

The only support received thus far has been from the Catholic Justice and Peace Commission, which distributed limited monetary assistance to affected households. As communities struggle, many face both immediate food and water shortages while attempting to rebuild, with the rainy season looming once more.

Residents recounted how the floods caught them unprepared. Keita’s family now faces dire living conditions, resorting to burning charcoal for income, while their daughter has only recently returned to school. Experts emphasize a pressing need for enhanced disaster preparedness in light of worsening climate conditions.

In 2024, flooding affected over 100,000 people across Liberia, leading to economic strain and heightened poverty levels. Climate change effects are exacerbated by inadequate enforcement of land-use regulations, prompting calls for systemic governmental reforms. Environmentalist Sampson Williams criticized the lack of action from the Disaster Management Agency and correlated the nation’s vulnerabilities with the potential for civil unrest.

Calls for government intervention have grown amidst fears of contamination in water sources and ongoing struggles for basic survival. Professor Jerome Nyenka highlighted the necessity for public awareness campaigns to deter hazardous building practices that threaten environmental integrity. Citizens are uniting in frustration over unmet government promises, seeking genuine support rather than assurances.

In conclusion, the aftermath of the floods in Liberia reveals a deep-seated crisis of trust and accountability towards the government. The devastated communities demand urgent action as they face further challenges in rebuilding and combating the effects of climate change. With mounting pressure, residents like Keita insist they require effective change and support to emerge from their plight.

The ongoing fallout from the floods in River Cess County illustrates a critical failure in governmental response and disaster management. Residents are left in precarious conditions, struggling without the assistance promised by officials. As climate impacts worsen, expert recommendations urge significant reforms and community education to prevent recurrences of this tragedy. The community’s call for real change underscores the need for accountability and proactive measures from the authorities.

Original Source: frontpageafricaonline.com