The Liberia National Red Cross Society (LNRCS) is scaling up its 2026 emergency relief to more than US$1.14 million, launching a major humanitarian intervention for thousands of Liberians battered by devastating floods, fires and windstorms across the country.
The latest operation, the Red Cross’ third major emergency response this year, targets 7,525 people from 1,375 families affected by severe flooding across Bong, Nimba, Grand Bassa, Montserrado, Grand Cape Mount and Margibi Counties.
However, the response comes after prolonged and exceptionally heavy rainfall in August overwhelmed rivers, drainage systems and waterways, leaving communities submerged and thousands of families struggling with destroyed homes, contaminated water sources and lost livelihoods.
According to the report, preliminary assessments indicate that more than 76,000 people from over 15,200 households were affected by the flooding, while more than 5,000 people were displaced. Furthermore, thousands of homes, schools, health facilities and other community structures were reportedly damaged or destroyed. Roads, bridges, markets and water sources were also affected, worsening conditions for communities already struggling with limited resources.
Under the emergency operation, LNRCS will provide unconditional cash assistance to 1,375 families to help them purchase food and other essential household items based on their most immediate needs.
Another 350 families whose homes were destroyed or severely damaged will receive additional cash assistance to rebuild or repair their houses. The intervention will include repairing damaged hand pumps and wells, distribution of water-treatment chemicals and mosquito nets, as the Red Cross moves to reduce the threat of waterborne diseases and malaria in flood-hit communities.
However, the flood operation is backed by more than US$584,000 through the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies’ Disaster Response Emergency Fund and the Swedish Red Cross Initial Response mechanism. Nearly 45 percent of the IFRC-funded DREF component, amounting to more than US$230,000, is covered by the European Union.
The latest intervention follows two completed LNRCS emergency operations responding to windstorms and fire outbreaks. In Nimba and Lofa counties, the Red Cross provided cash assistance and shelter construction materials to 2,792 people representing 213 families affected by windstorms. Another 1,643 people from 176 families affected by fire disasters received cash and shelter assistance across Montserrado, Margibi, Nimba, Rivercess and Grand Cape Mount counties.
LNRCS Secretary General and CEO Gregory T. Blamoh said responding to three major emergencies in a single year has placed significant pressure on communities and the humanitarian organization, but stressed that the Red Cross remains committed to reaching people when disasters strike. “Three emergencies in one year are a heavy burden for any community to carry, and they are also a heavy burden for us to respond to as an organization. But this is exactly why the Liberian Red Cross exists, to move as fast as the need demands,” Blamo added.
He said the more than US$1 million being committed to emergency assistance represents more than a financial figure, describing it as a lifeline for thousands of families confronting the devastating consequences of fires, windstorms and floods. “Over one million dollars in assistance is not just a figure; it is relief for thousands of families who do not have to face fire, windstorms and floods alone,” he added.
Blamoh also praised the IFRC, European Union, Swedish Red Cross, Government of Liberia, local authorities and Red Cross volunteers for supporting the emergency interventions. He commended volunteers, describing them as passionate young Liberians who are often among the first responders to reach communities hit by disasters and assess victims’ immediate needs.
With the flood response now underway, the LNRCS says its teams will conduct detailed assessments and physical verification to ensure assistance reaches families facing the most urgent needs. The organization is also calling for increased support from partners and the public, as Liberia grapples with what it describes as one of its most demanding disaster-response years in recent memory.
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