NDMA Rolls Out Nationwide Flood Response as Heavy Rains Threaten More Communities

Published: July 1, 2026

MONROVIA – The National Disaster Management Agency (NDMA) has intensified its nationwide flood preparedness and emergency response measures as heavy rains continue to batter Liberia, warning that more communities remain at risk of flooding in the coming weeks.

Speaking Tuesday during the Ministry of Information’s regular press briefing, NDMA Executive Director Ansu Dulleh said the agency has activated a comprehensive response plan in collaboration with government institutions and humanitarian partners to protect lives, safeguard livelihoods and minimize the impact of flooding.

The response, he said, includes continuous risk monitoring and assessment, emergency coordination, early warning systems, public awareness campaigns, humanitarian preparedness, and search-and-rescue operations.

Dulleh disclosed that the NDMA has already deployed assessment teams to flood-affected communities, mapped vulnerable locations and is collecting data to guide relief and recovery efforts.

The agency has also activated national disaster coordination structures and is working closely with county and district disaster management committees to strengthen information sharing and operational planning.

“We are sharing safety messages via social media and community network systems and educating communities on flood preparedness, evacuation procedures, and safety measures,” Dulleh said.

“Where possible, we are pre-positioning emergency relief supplies, identifying safe spaces for displaced families, and coordinating humanitarian assistance for affected households.”

According to Dulleh, the NDMA is coordinating with several government institutions, including the Ministry of Local Government, Ministry of Public Works, Ministry of Health, Liberia Water and Sewer Corporation (LWSC), Liberia National Fire Service (LNFS), Armed Forces of Liberia (AFL), Liberia National Police (LNP), and the Liberia National Red Cross, among others.

He said the agency is also working with development and humanitarian partners, including the United Nations, International Monetary Fund (IMF), World Bank, and other organizations supporting Liberia’s disaster risk reduction efforts.

“These partnerships help us strengthen our preparedness, build stronger emergency response capacity, and ensure recovery efforts reach affected communities in a timely and coordinated manner,” he added.

Dulleh revealed that preliminary field assessments and drone surveys indicate that several communities across Montserrado County have experienced varying levels of flooding.

Although the agency is still verifying the data, he said several thousand residents are believed to have been affected directly or indirectly, with women, children, persons with disabilities and the elderly among the most vulnerable.

According to him, the flooding has damaged homes and household property, displaced families, contaminated water sources, disrupted transportation and economic activities, increased the risk of waterborne diseases, and damaged community infrastructure.

“The effects we have observed so far include damage to homes and household property, temporary displacement of families from flood-prone communities, contamination of water sources, which increases health risks, disruption of transportation and economic activities, greater exposure to water-borne diseases and other health hazards, and damage to community infrastructure,” he said.

Citing forecasts from the Liberia Meteorological Service, Dulleh warned that heavy rainfall is expected to continue over the coming weeks, increasing the likelihood of flooding in low-lying coastal communities, wetlands, riverside settlements and areas with poor drainage.

He stressed that climate change is increasing both the frequency and severity of flooding in Liberia, making disaster risk reduction a shared national responsibility.

The NDMA, he said, will continue investing in long-term resilience by improving drainage systems, strengthening flood-control infrastructure, promoting climate-smart land-use planning, expanding early warning systems, supporting livelihood recovery and reinforcing community-based disaster management.

Dulleh urged residents to remain vigilant and follow official safety guidance.

“We therefore urge residents of flood-prone communities to stay alert, pay attention to early warnings, avoid building in waterways and drainage channels, and report any new hazards to local authorities right away.”

He also appealed to citizens to help reduce flood risks by keeping drainage systems clean, avoiding improper waste disposal and complying with environmental regulations.

“We call on all citizens to help reduce flood risk by keeping drainage systems clean, avoiding improper waste disposal, following environmental regulations, and complying with public safety guidance,” he stated.

Reaffirming the agency’s commitment, Dulleh said the NDMA will continue monitoring the evolving situation and providing regular public updates.

“We will continue to closely monitor the situation and provide regular updates as new information becomes available. Together, through preparedness, coordination, resilience-building, and collective action, we can reduce the impact of flooding and strengthen Liberia’s ability to withstand future disasters.”