Over 1,000 Flood Affected Families Benefit From Cash Assistance From Red Cross, Partners

By Salomie Weah

 With support from the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) and the European Union (EU), the Liberian National Red Cross Society (LNRCS) has successfully completed the first phase of its emergency cash transfer to 1,500 families affected by an unprecedented floods.

According to a release from the LNRCS, each flood victim in June and July 2024 received the amount of US$129.50 with US$55 more to be transferred to them in early October in order to help them support their livelihoods.

Additionally, the statement revealed that the LNRCS distributed wheelbarrows, shovels, whippers and cutlasses to each of the affected communities to encourage regular environmental cleaning and drainage clearing as part of disaster risk reduction efforts.

The cash assistance is part of efforts to address the urgent needs of flood survivors while helping them rebuild their lives and improve resilience against future disasters, the release noted.

In addition to the livelihood support, the statement disclosed that the LNRCS will provide the amount of US$150.00 in shelter support to families whose homes were either partially or completely damaged by the floods to aid them in repairing their homes as a contribution to their long-term recovery.

The release unveiled that during the recent joint visit to flood affected communities, the EU Ambassador to Liberia, H.E Nona Deprez praised the initiative stating that the European Union was pleased to support the Red Cross in delivering emergency assistance to families affected by the devastating floods.

"We are committed to helping these communities recover, rebuild and strengthen their resilience against the growing threats of climate change,” the release quoted the EU Ambassador.

For his part, Gregory T Blamoh, LNRCS Secretary General emphasized the importance of community involvement in the recovery process adding, “Together we are helping communities recover and rebuild back stronger,"

According to him, the Red Cross and partners are not just providing immediate relief but are also working closely with the affected communities to promote long-term resilience.

“We believe that community engagement in environmental cleaning and drainage clearing is crucial in minimizing the impact of future floods," he said.

Beneficiaries of the cash transfer expressed gratitude to LNRCS and partners for the support among which a particular beneficiary from Gbassalor Community in Robertsports , a mother of seven children whose home was severely damaged by the recent flood termed the assistance as a "lifeline"  for her family.

“With these funds, I can start repairing my home and buy food for me and my children. I am thankful to the Red Cross and EU for giving us hope during these difficult times", she said.

Nearly half a million was secured by the LNRCS from the IFRC's Disaster Relief Emergency Fund (DREF) recently to support 1,500 families equating to 13,100 victims residing in Montserrado, Bong and Grand Cape Mount Counties. 

The EU graciously contributed to that fund to reinforce response to severe flooding.