“Stop Building in Waterways”: NDMA Warns of Severe Flood Risk as Heavy Rains Destroy 1,000+ Homes, Displace Vulnerable Liberians Nationwide
BY: Margret Nyumah
MONROVIA, Montserrado County –The National Disaster Management Agency of Liberia has warned that Liberia faces a high risk of severe flooding this rainy season after heavy downpours damaged more than 1,000 homes and displaced vulnerable residents across multiple communities.
Speaking Tuesday at the Ministry of Information’s regular press briefing, NDMA Executive Director Hon. Ansu Dulleh said, preliminary field assessments and drone surveys confirm widespread flash floods, waterlogging, and property destruction, particularly in low-lying and flood-prone areas around Monrovia.
Homes belonging to persons with disabilities were among those affected.
Hon. Dulleh blamed blocked drainage and construction in waterways for worsening the crisis.
He urged Liberians to halt building in drainage channels and to keep surroundings clean to allow free water flow. “Such practices significantly increase the risk of flooding,” he said.
He also called on residents to report flood incidents promptly to local authorities.
The NDMA, citing forecasts from the Liberia Meteorological Service, said excessive rainfall is expected to continue in the coming weeks, making preparedness and community cooperation critical.
The agency reported that women, children, older persons, and persons with disabilities remain the most vulnerable during this period.
Major impacts include damage to homes and household property, temporary displacement, contamination of water sources, disruption of transport and economic activity, increased risk of waterborne diseases, and damage to community infrastructure.
In response, NDMA said, they have activated its flood preparedness and emergency response plans with government and humanitarian partners.
Ongoing actions include risk monitoring, emergency coordination, public awareness, humanitarian preparedness, and search-and-rescue operations where needed.
The agency is working with the Ministries of Local Government, Public Works, and Health, LWSC, LFS, AFL, LNP, the Liberia National Red Cross, UN agencies, the World Bank, IMF, and other development partners to strengthen response efforts.
NDMA stressed the need for long-term investment in drainage and flood-control infrastructure, risk-informed land-use planning, community resilience, livelihood support for affected households, and expanded early warning systems.
The agency called on all citizens to reduce flood risk by clearing drains, avoiding improper waste disposal, complying with environmental regulations, and following public safety guidance.