LNRCS Launches Training in Early Warning and Disaster Management in River Gee

By: Ben TC Brooks| River Gee County Correspondent

River Gee County – Sunday, June 01, 2025 – The Liberia National Red Cross Society, alongside its River Gee chapter and supported by the Swedish Red Cross, has ended a 3-day extensive training program focused on early warning systems and disaster management in River Gee County.

This training, aimed at strengthening the skills and readiness of local communities to respond to emergencies and natural disasters, will involve all 11 major project communities in county.

Recently, River Gee County faced severe flooding due to heavy rainfall on May 23, 2025, which left a number of residents in central Fish Town homeless and in urgent need of assistance.

Among those affected was Esther Wilson, a 37-year-old single mother of 4, who lost all her belongings and is presently, seeking humanitarian assistance.

The training sessions, held from May 29-31, 2025; attracted over 50 participants, including Red Cross volunteers and community leaders, from three Red Cross communities of Gbeapo Jaytoken, Chedepo Klaborken, and Tienpo Cheboken respectively.

During the three-day event, participants focused on the acronym “GIL” (Green Inclusive Liberia) to prepare for disasters, as highlighted by lead facilitator Mariam Wahsaway Kparngbah, Field Coordinator of the River Gee Chapter of the Liberia National Red Cross Society.

The interactive workshops covered crucial topics, such as risk assessment, emergency response strategies, and the significance of timely communication during crises.

The training is part of the Red Cross’s continuous efforts to strengthen community resilience and ensure they are better prepared for potential disasters.

According to Madam Kparngbah, her humanitarian organization aims to educate individuals on early warning signs and effective response techniques to mitigate the impacts of disasters and save lives.

Participants shared valuable insights and committed to applying what they learned during the training while developing local action plans and collaborating with relevant authorities to enhance their response capabilities.

At the conclusion of the training, Ma-Lucy T. Wesseh from the Cheboken community expressed gratitude on behalf of the participants, acknowledging the impact of the training and subsequently pledging to utilize the knowledge gained.

The Liberia National Red Cross Society is dedicated to promoting a culture of preparedness and resilience, highlighting that proactive measures can and could significantly lessen the risks linked to disasters.

The training represents a crucial step toward empowering communities in River Gee County to take charge of their safety and well-being, marking a significant milestone in Liberia’s efforts to enhance disaster management and response.

The Red Cross continues to play an essential role in equipping communities with the knowledge and tools necessary to confront challenges effectively.

Edited: Jesefu Morris Keita| Editor-In-Chief