Southern Liberia at Risk of Natural Disasters, Food Insecurity, and Lack of Basic Sanitation and Safe Drinking Water, Liberia Red Cross Warns

Monrovia – An Enhanced Vulnerability and Capacity Assessment (EVCA) recently conducted by the Liberia National Red Cross in 12 communities across the southern regions of Sinoe, Grand Kru, and River Gee Counties has identified key vulnerabilities, including limited access to basic sanitation, safe drinking water, and food security, as well as exposure to natural disasters.

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By Victoria G Wesseh

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In a press conference held in Monrovia on Thursday, May 11, the Liberia Red Cross stated that its team and community members, working together, identified actions and designed strategies to address the needs and build community resilience.

Liberia National Red Cross Secretary-General Gregory Blamo noted that the humanitarian organization had also responded to speed up recovery and preserve the dignity of affected people in Gbarpolu and Grind Bassa Counties after violent storms hit over 14 communities, leaving at least 478 people, including seven disabled individuals and several children, affected in February.

“We have repeatedly emphasized the need for actionable steps, not only to speed up recovery but to protect and preserve the dignity of affected people and help communities to build back better and withstand future shock,” Blamo stated.

According to him, people in the two affected areas were self-reliant and unprepared for such disasters. As a result, the violent storms created a devastating impact on the lives of the people and further worsened their existing vulnerabilities.

Blamo further indicated that with support from its partner, the Swedish Red Cross, Liberia National Red Cross provided immediate relief assistance to the affected communities.

The Liberian Red Cross Secretary-General further maintained that as the organization delivers services with compassion and empathy, they are equally calling for increased support in disaster response to enable them to support community recovery and build resilience.

Meanwhile, the Liberian Red Cross has announced May as World Red Cross and Red Crescent Month, and official celebrations are planned and organized on May 8 to commemorate the birthday of its founder Henry Dunant. This year’s Red Cross and Red Crescent Day is celebrated under the theme, “Everything we do comes from the heart.”

Blamo explained that World Red Cross and Red Crescent Day is a time to celebrate the spirit of humanitarianism and recognize the individuals who make a difference in their communities. The Red Cross said this year, they want to focus on people in the communities.

Blamo told: “The people next door who often are the first ones to step up and support those in need around them colleagues at respective workplaces; a neighborhood, a vendor or a Red Cross Red Crescent community volunteer; someone at the gym, a clerk at a store or market; or someone living close by who has always been by our side.”

According to him, on this year’s World Red Cross and Red Crescent Day, Red Cross Liberia branches throughout the country will participate in various activities to celebrate the principle of unity and diversity; engage in community services, and expand its membership to build stronger and more impactful organizations.