PHOTO: Some of the civilians rescued by the Liberia Coast Guard in Kpelleh Town
The Liberia Coast Guard (LCG), in support of civil authority, has conducted rescue operation for residents in Kpelleh Town, Johnsonville as a result of flood due to heavy downpour of rain.
The exercise was carried out over the weekend (On 28 June 2024), a press release says.
Cognizant of the devastating effects that come along with Liberia’s rainy season across the country, the Ministry of National Defense and Armed Forces of Liberia (AFL) High Command mandated the LCG to launch “OPERATION RISING TIDE”.
The intent of Operation is to conduct search and rescue mission in flooded communities and ensure the safety and well-being of residents during natural disasters, particularly during Liberia’s rainy season.
The name “OPERATION RISING TIDE”, conveys the urgency and critical nature of a Coast Guard mission during flooding while also symbolizing the effort to rise above the challenges posed by natural disasters, said Captain (Coast Guard) John S-Kek Willie, Commander of Liberia Coast Guard.
In fulfillment of this mandate, the LCG conducted a crucial search and rescue mission in the Kpelleh Town, Johnsonville community which was severely flooded due to heavy downpour of rain.
Despite difficulties, LCG sailors heroically rescued 35 residents during the operation. Amongst those rescued were elderly people, pregnant women and children.
The situation in the community is calm and has returned to normalcy due to the stoppage of rain.
The Commander of the operation, Petty Officer 1 (PO1) Clinton Slewro informed AFL Public Affairs Department that community dwellers were very helpful in providing information about residents who were stranded and could not find their way out.
He shared a particularly emotional moment when a resident informed his Team that, “My entire family is stranded in the attic of my house because of the flood and their lives are currently at risk.”.
He narrated the joy and appreciation of community dwellers as the LCG rescued all 35 stranded residents. PO1 Slewro expressed gratitude to the community leadership and the entire residents for their cooperation.
In a statement following the rescue operation, the Minister of National Defense, Brigadier General Geraldine J George (Rtd), underscored that despite the challenges, the AFL remains prepared and committed to assisting with flood and sea erosion situations across the country, recognizing Liberia’s vulnerability to these natural risks.
Brigadier General Davidson Fayiah Forleh, Chief of Staff of the AFL, extolled the LCG Search and Rescue Team for their outstanding performance in executing their constitutional duties.
He assured the public that the AFL stands ready to support civil authorities during such situations, reaffirming the AFL’s dedication to protecting and serving the Liberian people.