Published: July 1, 2024
Last Friday, the Liberia Coast Guard (LCG), in support of civil authorities, conducted a rescue operation for residents in Kpelleh Town, Johnsonville, following severe flooding caused by heavy rains.
Aware of the devastating impact of Liberia’s rainy season, the Ministry of National Defense and Armed Forces of Liberia (AFL) High Command directed the LCG to launch “Operation Rising Tide.”
The objective of this operation is to conduct search and rescue missions in flooded communities, ensuring the safety and well-being of residents during natural disasters, especially during Liberia’s rainy season.
“Operation Rising Tide” underscores the urgency and critical nature of Coast Guard missions during floods, symbolizing efforts to overcome the challenges posed by natural disasters, explained Captain John S-Kek Willie, Commander of the Liberia Coast Guard.
In line with this mandate, the LCG carried out a crucial search and rescue mission in the severely flooded Kpelleh Town, Johnsonville. Despite challenging conditions, LCG sailors heroically rescued 35 residents, including elderly individuals, pregnant women, and children.
The community has since returned to normalcy with the cessation of rain. Petty Officer 1 (PO1) Clinton Slewro, who led the operation, praised the local residents for their invaluable assistance in identifying those who were stranded.
PO1 Slewro recounted an emotional moment when a resident informed the rescue team, “My entire family is stranded in the attic of my house because of the flood and their lives are currently at risk.” The successful rescue of all 35 residents was met with joy and gratitude from the community. PO1 Slewro expressed his appreciation for the cooperation and support from local leadership and residents.
Following the operation, Brigadier General Geraldine J. George (Rtd), Minister of National Defense, emphasized the AFL’s commitment to addressing flood and sea erosion challenges, acknowledging Liberia’s vulnerability to such natural disasters.
Brigadier General Davidson Fayiah Forleh, Chief of Staff of the AFL, commended the LCG Search and Rescue Team for their exemplary performance. He reassured the public of the AFL’s readiness to support civil authorities in similar situations, reaffirming the AFL’s dedication to protecting and serving the Liberian people.
Discussion about this post