By Rancy S. Teewia
MONROVIA, July 1 (LINA) – The National Disaster Management Agency (NDMA) has raised an alarm over escalating flood risks in Monrovia, warning that flash floods have already displaced several thousand residents and that conditions could worsen as Liberia’s peak rainy season continues.
Speaking Tuesday, June 30, 2026, at the Ministry of Information’s regular press conference in Monrovia, NDMA Executive Director Ansu V. Dulleh said persistent heavy downpours have overwhelmed drainage systems in low-lying communities. He noted that the result has been waterlogging, property damage, and disrupted daily life across parts of the capital.
According to Dulleh, NDMA’s early assessments and drone surveys show that multiple communities in Montserrado County have recorded varying levels of flooding. He said women, children, persons with disabilities, and the elderly are among the most affected.
Citing that initial findings indicate damaged homes and household property, temporary displacement from flood-prone settlements, contamination of water sources, and interruptions to transport, economic activity, and community infrastructure.
Dulleh cited forecasts from the Liberia Meteorological Service, which predicts more heavy rainfall in the weeks ahead with a “high chance of more flooding” in coastal zones, wetlands, riverside settlements, and neighborhoods with poor drainage.
He warned that those areas face the greatest exposure if the rains persist, a situation that could increase the risk of water-borne diseases and further strain already stretched services. Residents in vulnerable communities have been urged to remain alert and follow official safety guidance.
The NDMA boss said the agency has activated its flood preparedness and response plan under the national disaster management framework. Key actions, he added, include deploying assessment teams to map flood-prone areas, activating county and district disaster committees, and disseminating early warning messages through social media and community networks.
He said emergency supplies have been pre-positioned and safe spaces identified for displaced families.
He also noted that search and rescue capacity is on standby. Dulleh confirmed that emergency responders, the Armed Forces of Liberia, Liberia National Police, and the Liberia National Fire Service are ready to conduct life-saving operations if needed.
“NDMA is coordinating with the Ministries of Local Government, Public Works, and Health, the Liberia Water and Sewer Corporation, the Liberia National Red Cross, and international partners including the UN, IMF, and World Bank,” he said.
Mr. Dulleh stressed that Looking beyond immediate relief, NDMA is calling for longer-term resilience investments. Dulleh said Liberia must prioritize stronger drainage and flood-control infrastructure, enforce risk-informed land-use planning, support livelihood recovery for affected households, and expand early-warning systems.
“Without those steps, Monrovia will remain highly exposed as climate-driven rains intensify,” he asserted. The agency said it will continue monitoring and provide updates as weather and risk assessments evolve,” Dulleh asserted.