Red Cross donates relief material to storm victims in Grand Bassa

By: Emmanuel wise Jipoh

The Liberia National Red Cross Society (LNRCS) has donated assorted relief materials to several storm victims in Grand Bassa County District #2.

The donation was made following a violent storm in that part of the country, affecting 13 towns and villages, on 12th February 2023.

At least 41 homes and other structures were damaged, leaving 278 people, 137 males and 141 females homeless.

According to report, among the affected people are five people living with disabilities- two males and three females.

Presenting the Assorted Materials Thursday, February 23, 2023, Mr. Sigmund Holt, a Program staff at the LNRCS heading the distribution team sympathizing with victims said the Liberia National Red Cross Society (LNRCS), will continue to reach out to affected victims.

He said assessment team from the LNRCS has been on the ground assessing other communities on the impact of the disaster.

“I know that many people are concerned about the impact of this violent storm on women, children, men, the early, and people with disability who live in these communities. But when disaster of such occurred, the impact is severe, especially for vulnerable communities” Holt said.

Mr. Holt said the LNRCS had conducted a rapid community assessment before distributing essential relief materials. “Our assessment so far has established that the humanitarian consequences created as a result of the storm disaster are really alarming and compelling”.

Emphasizing the level of devastation in the communities, Mr. Holt mentioned: “Many homes have been destroyed; many of those affected are seeking temporary shelter at the homes of friends, family members, and other loved ones. The need for recovery materials is very urgent and paramount. People affected need our help to recover quickly”. 

“Today, we have come to render our initial assistance to the affected population. We are distributing pots, soap, toothpaste, towel, and bucket among others to 53 affected families based on their needs”, Holt said.

He added that the Liberian Red Cross remain committed to supporting the community to fully recover from the devastating effect of the disaster.

During the distribution, the LNRCS team stressed that the needs in the affected communities of District #2 Grand Bassa required concerted efforts to adequately address.  “We need the support of everyone to enable us to reach further and deliver better. The resources we have available currently are inadequate and we will target the most vulnerable in the first phase while we seek additional support to expand and extend our intervention,” he said.

The LNRCS Program Officer attributed the violent storm to the role of climate change in generating increasing numbers of extreme weather events.

“The humanitarian challenges on the ground are many and we are doing everything we can with our movement partners to offer hope and support to the affected communities to ensure they recover with dignity.  We will continue to monitor the situation and to keep the communities who are experiencing personal danger and property damage in our plan” he added.

In response to the Liberian Red Cross’s latest intervention, the District Commissioner Glarkon Statutory District of Grand Bassa County, Gordour Tarr expressed gratitude to the Liberia National Red Cross Society for coming to the aid of the affected people and communities. 

“This is not the first time; you were the only one who assisted us in the fire disaster in Sekou town few years ago and today you are here again. I am not surprised but amazed by your quick, impartial, and independent response always. It is timely and the materials are very essential” Commissioner Tarr speaking in a joyful mood.

Commissioner Tarr pleaded with the LNRCS and other partners to assist the communities with zinc and other recovery materials to rebuild their homes.