Nimba County Senator Nyan D. Twayen has reported that severe winds have destroyed over 37 houses in his constituency, leaving many residents homeless.
The disaster occurred in one of the towns in Nimba County, exacerbating the struggles of already low-income citizens.
The senator’s statement was made during a Liberian Senate session focused on the impacts of climate change, including flooding and heavy winds, on the nation. The Senate deliberated on strategies to address these escalating environmental challenges.
Senator Twayen’s revelation comes in the wake of alarming reports, including Verity News, on the increasing frequency of floods affecting communities and cities across Liberia. These environmental calamities have created significant economic, health, and social challenges for the citizens.
Nimba County Senator Twayen further detailed the recent windstorm in his constituency, which left 37 homes completely destroyed. “This issue is serious and actually needs immediate attention for my people,” he stated, urging for swift intervention to assist the affected residents.
The destruction caused by the severe winds has compounded the difficulties faced by Nimba County’s residents, many of whom are already struggling with economic hardships. The situation underscores the critical need for a comprehensive national response to address the immediate and long-term impacts of climate change in Liberia.
Monrovia and Paynesville, among other areas, have been severely impacted by floods, causing substantial disruptions to daily life and mobility for community dwellers.
The Senate’s decision to engage with the Ministry of Public Works, the National Disaster Management Agency (NDMA), and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) was spurred by concerns raised by Montserrado County Senator Saah Joseph. He highlighted the dire conditions in his constituency due to these growing environmental issues.
Senator Joseph called for the government to hold the relevant agencies accountable, particularly the Ministry of Public Works, for allowing construction on waterways. This practice, he argues, has exacerbated flooding and caused significant damage to homes and infrastructure.
Supporting Joseph’s call for immediate action, Senator Abraham Darius Dillon emphasized the need for urgent aid to those affected by the recent disasters. He also advocated for long-term strategies to mitigate the effects of climate change.
The Senate’s decision to treat these environmental challenges as a national emergency reflects the urgency of the situation. Lawmakers are pushing for coordinated efforts from the government and relevant agencies to provide immediate relief and develop sustainable solutions to protect vulnerable communities from future disasters.
Liberia has been increasingly affected by climate change, with severe weather events such as heavy rains, flooding, and strong winds becoming more frequent. These events have had devastating impacts on communities, infrastructure, and the economy.
The government’s response, in collaboration with national and international agencies, is crucial to mitigating these effects and enhancing the resilience of affected populations.
The Liberian Senate’s engagement with key ministries and agencies marks a significant step towards addressing the environmental challenges facing the country.
By holding these bodies accountable and ensuring effective implementation of policies, Liberia can better manage the impacts of climate change and protect its citizens from future disasters.
