Vice President Joseph N. Boakai says essential management and early preparation strategies should be put into place if Liberia must boast of effective disaster management.

Vice President Boakai made the observation Tuesday when he addressed delegates at a high level disaster preparedness and response meeting held at Royal Grand Hotel in Monrovia.

Ambassador Boakai observed that disaster is sure to happen “and only requires time,” adding, “but the urge of Liberians to seek understanding in early preparation to manage disaster is a display of wisdom in itself.”

He noted that regardless of the number of volunteers and available assistance one can receive from outside in the phase of disaster, preparation must begin from where the disaster occurs.

He added that “self-preparation is the only means possible to guide the efforts of those who come to aid you in the process.”

The Liberian Vice President has, meanwhile, lauded the efforts of the Red Cross and other international partners, terming them as “people of good heart which has remained unfailing in the drive to give relief to whoever comes to stand in need.”

The high level disaster preparedness and response conference was attended by several high-level delegates, including the Minister of Internal Affairs Morris Dukuly, US Ambassador Deborah Malac and partners from the United States Africa Command as well as representatives from Nigeria and Ghana.