Emmanuel Sensee, Diaspora Alert contributing editor- emmanuelsensee20@gmail.com +231886005333
On July 9, heavy rainfall triggered a devastating flood disaster in Kakata, Margibi County, rendering dozens of families homeless and impacting approximately 20 homes. According to the affected residents, the flooding was directly caused by the ongoing road construction projects in the area, specifically due to the installation of inadequately sized culverts and substandard engineering practices. The victims further alleged that the engineers responsible for the project failed to adequately open the culverts prior to initiating the road work, thereby worsening the flooding situation. This alleged oversight has resulted in significant disruption to the lives of the affected families, who are now in dire need of assistance and support to recover from the disaster.
Over 70 victims have reported that their appeals for wider culverts have gone unheeded. The flood destroyed valuable possessions, including thousands of dollars in cash. Many affected individuals relied on income from commercial activities.The affected communities include Kissi community, Carter High, Miss Moore, and Dennisville. Several families are now living outdoors, facing significant health risks, especially children who are vulnerable to malaria and fever. Other areas affected by the rain include Frog Island, Harbel general market, and Barclay Farm, with over six homes impacted.
The flood victims are urgently seeking assistance from philanthropists, government agencies, and non-governmental organizations to help them recover from the disaster. Liberia has a long history of devastating floods, which have significantly impacted both the environment and the lives of its citizens. The country experiences heavy rainfall, particularly during the rainy season from May to October, leading to widespread flooding in various regions. The economic toll of flooding in Liberia is profound, with estimates indicating that the destruction of property and infrastructure can reach millions of dollars. The loss of homes, schools, and healthcare facilities further compounds the challenges faced by affected populations, leading to long-term repercussions on public health and education. Additionally, the loss of crops and livestock during these events threatens food security, pushing many families into deeper poverty.