BUCHANAN, Grand Bassa – Amid recent flooding that left several persons homeless in Grand Bassa, the county’s leaders and other generous citizens have begun intervening to help the affected persons.
After five days of heavy rains flooded homes in Buchanan and nearby areas, victims were heard on community radio stations calling for support as the flood damaged much of their belongings.
In some communities in Buchanan, the victims fled their homes without food or clothing due to the severity of the flood. Some have even found themselves unemployed.
An assessment made by the Disaster Management Committee in the county revealed that 2,900 persons and 240 homes were affected in Grand Bassa from 15 communities.
With victims seeking shelter in abandoned buildings and with their neighbors, donors have begun to come to their aid by providing necessary supplies.
Foreign Minister Gbehzohngar M. Findley, collaborating with the county government, made available 50 bags of 25 kg rice as an initial intervention. They expect to make more supplies available in the future as they continue to lobby with some national and international partners, including the National Disaster Management Agency.
Grand Bassa’s Sen. Jonathan Kaipay also provided 21 bags of rice and cash as his initial contribution to the victims.
The county information officer of Grand Bassa, Eddie Williams, told The Bush Chicken that Superintendent Janjay Baikpeh had written the National Disaster Management Agency to provide details of those affected by the flood. He added that the superintendent has also written other institutions to aid of the flood victims. Although there has been no response so far, Williams said the county was optimistic of receiving positive responses.
“Some of the victims have begun returning home, especially those who were not mostly affected in some communities,†Williams said. However, he was worried that more rain could cause water levels to rise again.
The flood victims were appreciative of the donations; however, they expressed the need for a lasting solution to the frequent occurrences of floods.
Many of the areas flooded were next to swamps and some houses were built in waterways. Moreover, some drainages are clogged with dirt thrown in by community members, thereby allowing the water to flow in the various communities.
With clogged drainages being observed in affected communities, mining giant ArcelorMittal has paid to have drainages cleaned. Workers have already begun cleaning clogged drainages.
Featured photo by Sampson David
