IPNEWS: The Liberia National Red Cross Society (LNRCS), with support from the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) and the European Union (EU), has successfully completed the first phase of its emergency cash transfer to 1,500 families affected by the unprecedented floods in June and July 2024.
Each family has received USD 129.50, with an additional USD 55 set to be transferred in early October to support their livelihood. The cash assistance is part of a broader effort to address the urgent needs of flood survivors while helping them rebuild their lives and improve resilience against future disasters.
In addition to the livelihood support, the LNRCS will provide USD 150 in shelter support to families whose homes were partially or completely damaged. This funding will aid them in repairing their homes, contributing to their long-term recovery.
The LNRCS secured nearly half a million dollars from the IFRC’s Disaster Relief Emergency Fund (DREF), supporting 1,500 families, equating to 13,100 people, across 22 communities in Montserrado, Bong, and Grand Cape Mount counties. The EU has graciously contributed to the IFRC fund, reinforcing the response to the severe flooding.
To promote sustainable solutions, the Red Cross has also distributed cleaning tools such as wheelbarrows, shovels, whippers and cutlasses to each community, encouraging regular environmental cleaning and drainage clearing as part of disaster risk reduction efforts.
During a recent joint visit to flood-affected communities, EU Ambassador to Liberia, H.E. Nona Deprez, praised the initiative, stating, “The European Union is pleased to support the Red Cross in delivering emergency assistance to families affected by this devastating flood. We are committed to helping these communities recover, rebuild, and strengthen their resilience against the growing threats of climate change.”
LNRCS Secretary General, Gregory T. Blamoh, emphasized the importance of community involvement in the recovery process. “Together, we are helping communities recover and build back stronger. The Red Cross and its 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.”
Beneficiaries of the Cash Transfer have expressed gratitude for the support. One resident of the Gbassalor, in Robertsport, a mother of seven whose home was severely damaged, said, “This cash assistance has been a lifeline for my family. With the funds, I can start repairing my home and buying food for my children. I am thankful to the Red Cross and the EU for giving us hope during these difficult times.”
The LNRCS, with its partners, continues to work with the affected communities to ensure a coordinated recovery process while addressing the root causes of vulnerability, including climate change, sea erosion, and flooding. The focus remains on empowering communities to adapt to mitigation measures and strengthening resilience to withstand future climate shocks.
