Victims Tell Their Stories And Ask For Help
By King Brown, sarwahking@gmail.com
BUCHANAN, Liberia- About 300 families have abandoned their homes in the southern port city of Buchanan, Grand Bassa County, following serious flooding.
Men, women and children were forced to leave their homes over the weekend after torrential rains battered the coastal city, as the rainy season intensifies in Liberia.
Although there were no casualties, many people lost their property and they have taken shelter with friends and relatives.
Starting Saturday, June 13, 2024, heavy rains and floods had affected over 100 households in Buchanan, after a three-day downpour, the heaviest since the beginning of June.
More rains are expected until October.
The most affected areas include Peace Community, New Buchanan Block “D” Community, Fairground Community, Tinway Town Community, and surrounding areas.
These overflow communities are predominantly low-lying areas near river streams with poor drainage systems.
Multiple rivers broke their banks in six communities in Buchanan after the heavy rainfall.
Flood victims on their plight
Martha Zangar, a mother of six from New Buchanan Block “D” Community, described how the floodwaters swept away all their household items, including mattresses, food reserves, utensils, clothes, and educational materials.
“The water took me and my children from our house. We are now homeless,” she lamented”.
Zangar and her children have moved to her sister’s residence in Jacko Town Community until the water recedes.
She said it saddens her to see water entering her home and causing significant damaged and disruption to her daily live.
Some families’ cooking utensils floating in their homes
Zangar attributed the flooding to ArcelorMittal company alleged blockage of the drainage system as responsible for distributing water during rainy seasons.
She said if the situation is not handled by national government, they will continue to suffer greatly, as they call on the county authority to take immediate action to address the issue.
Another victim, 64-year-old Elijah Gueh from Fairground Community, said their mat round house was destroyed by the flooding, leaving about 20 people homeless.
Gueh built a scaffold over the water in his bedroom for his family to sleep on.
He said everything in his room got soaked with water.
He said they are now with challenge of finding dry places to sleep as their home remains filled with water.
“We are already suffering, and our little houses that we fought hard to build, water has entered all of them,” he said.
He expressed concern for his children’s safety and appealed for humanitarian aid, including food and non-food items.
The affected families are appealing for assistance with shelter, livelihood support, and basic needs, including safe drinking water.
On June 12, 2024, the National Disaster Management Agency (NDMA) issued a warning to all residents of Liberia, predicting heavy rainfall that could cause devastating floods and windstorms.
Recently, parts of Monrovia, including Paynesville, were affected by floods, forcing many to evacuate their homes.
Director Ansu Dorley urged residents to take precautionary measures in disaster-prone areas.
He stated that the agency is coordinating relief efforts with the Liberia National Red Cross and the Armed Forces of Liberia to help affected communities.
Dorley also cautioned residents to keep major drainages clear and avoid constructing large structures near waterways to mitigate future disasters.