J. Mason Kollie
Violent storm has devastated several rural settlements in Lower Lofa County. The storm, which happened on March 21, 2026, destroyed several homes and public buildings.
Affected towns and villages include, Hilgbelahun, Bassamalahun, Kolba City, Wuhalahun and Mbalahun. The storm destroyed the only primary schools in Bassamalahun, Wuhalahun and Mbalahun in addition to residential homes. In Kolba City, the storm damaged the solar system at the Harleyngee community Radio and the tower of Eagle FM.
Eyewitnesses say the storm disaster began with heavy down pour of rain across district, leaving major towns and villages severely affected. “The damages are enormous and unimaginable”, some victims described the situation.
Report says one person sustained injury in Hilgbelahun town, while over hundreds of residents remain homeless due to the violent storm that stunned the communities.
Several School Administrators in the affected towns are calling on the government for quick intervention to allow students return to classes and complete their 2025/2026 academic activities.
Additionally, victims of the storm disaster want philanthropists and National Disaster Management Agency and Liberian Red Cross Society to quickly intervene so they can return to their homes.
Storm disasters in Lower County have always left devastating consequences on local communities. In March 2025, the Voinjama District Farmers’ Cooperative Building (VDFC) was hit by violent storm causing significant damage to the roof.
Also, in 2020 and 2023, four major towns in Kolahun District, Ndambu, Wuhulahun, Mbakanda, and Hassagolowan were hit by violent storms, causing damages to homes and public buildings.
Some Environmental and Climate Change Experts are attributing the storm disasters to widespread environmental abuse such as commercial pit sawing and clearing of forests around towns and villages.
