In communities as soon as overwhelmed by floodwaters and despair, hope is flowing once more. The Liberia Nationwide Pink Cross Society (LNRCS), in partnership with the Financial Neighborhood of West African States (ECOWAS) and the Nationwide Catastrophe Administration Company (NDMA), has begun offering direct money help to 1,820 households affected by the 2024 floods throughout Montserrado, Lofa, Bong, and Grand Cape Mount Counties.
The initiative, funded by ECOWAS and carried out by the Liberian Pink Cross in collaboration with NDMA, varieties a part of a broader venture titled “Strengthening Resilience and Supporting Catastrophe-Affected Populations in Liberia.” Launched in August 2024, the venture goals to revive livelihoods, cut back vulnerabilities, and construct long-term group resilience amongst disaster-affected populations.
This system targets probably the most weak households — together with female-headed households, individuals with disabilities, the aged, pregnant and breastfeeding ladies, and households with youngsters below 5. Every household obtained a direct money switch to rebuild houses, restart small companies, or meet urgent day by day wants.
“This venture is greater than a humanitarian response; it’s an funding in resilience, dignity, and empowerment for Liberian communities,” stated Mr. Gregory T. Blamoh, Secretary Normal of the Liberia Nationwide Pink Cross Society. “With the help of ECOWAS, NDMA, authorities establishments, and our devoted Pink Cross volunteers, we’re assured that households will get well stronger and be higher ready for future shocks.”
Throughout the official launch, ECOWAS Ambassador to Liberia, H.E. Josephine Nkrumah, reaffirmed ECOWAS’s dedication to standing with affected households.
“This venture is not only an emblem of help —it’s a declaration of solidarity. ECOWAS stands with the individuals of Liberia not simply in phrases, however in significant motion. When catastrophe strikes, we should rise collectively,” Ambassador Nkrumah stated. “This initiative is about restoring livelihoods, restoring dignity, and reminding households that they aren’t forgotten.”
Among the many many beneficiaries, tales of braveness and dedication proceed to emerge.
“I by no means obtained that form of cash since I grew to become blind immediately. I really feel alive once more,” stated Joe Swen, a visually impaired resident of Matilda Neighborhood. “It isn’t good for a blind particular person to be begging on the street; it’s harmful. I used to be dwelling within the water, and once I put my foot down, the water might attain my knees. The cash I obtained immediately is probably the most I’ve ever seen in my life since I acquired blind. I’m very pleased and grateful to ECOWAS and the Pink Cross for this assist. I’ll use it correctly to handle my wants.”
For Theresa P. Moore, a single mom dwelling in a zinc construction, the help was a lifeline. “For too lengthy, my youngsters and I lived within the water immediately. I can lastly begin rebuilding our dwelling,” she stated after cashing out her fee. “I actually admire ECOWAS and the companions for his or her goodwill. The water broken my zinc store and embarrassed me and my youngsters. I’ll purchase bricks to lift the inspiration and zinc to repair the roof. Even when the water fills the yard, it shouldn’t enter our room once more.”
One other beneficiary, Angeline Joe, fought again tears as she shared her story. “The water broke my home down, the sticks had been rotting, and when it rained, it appeared like the home would collapse,” she stated. “I obtained 250 U.S. {dollars}. With that, I’ll purchase sticks and dust to repair my home. I thank ECOWAS, the Pink Cross, and the NDMA for coming to our support. I’m so pleased that I don’t even know what to say.”
Throughout the affected communities, a whole lot of comparable tales echo tales of hardship turning into hope, and despair giving method to dedication.
Past the money transfers, the venture is investing in water entry, agriculture, and livelihoods to assist communities get well sustainably. Communities whose water services had been broken by the floods have been prioritized for restoration. Building has begun on 19 new handpumps and two solar-powered water towers, together with the rehabilitation of 36 current services to make sure constant entry to secure ingesting water throughout 11 communities.
As well as, 200 native farmers throughout the focused counties have obtained coaching, seeds, farming instruments, and agricultural provides to revive meals manufacturing and improve local weather resilience by means of sustainable farming practices.
Vital progress has already been made within the areas of Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH), Agriculture, and Livelihoods, reflecting a robust, coordinated partnership between ECOWAS, the Pink Cross, and NDMA. These efforts transcend instant reduction; they characterize a shared imaginative and prescient to rebuild stronger, extra self-reliant communities that may stand up to future shocks.
Because the floodwaters recede, what stays is a renewed sense of unity, dignity, and hope a robust reminder that when compassion, coordination, and group power come collectively, no catastrophe is simply too nice to beat.
