LIBERIA: In Nimba County More Than 700 Made Homeless Due to Storm

without homes after a severe storm devastated the area over the past few days.

The storm wreaked havoc, destroying more than forty homes, including the local school building, and impacting over 700 residents in one of Liberia’s most populated counties.

The violent storm, which tore through the district, de-roofed several homes, leaving many families without shelter. Since the disaster, Heritage Newspaper has learned that the affected residents have yet to receive assistance from either local or national government authorities.

A violent storm is a severe weather event characterized by intense and destructive atmospheric conditions. These storms can include various phenomena such as powerful winds, heavy rainfall, hail, lightning, and thunder. Violent storms often lead to significant damage, including uprooted trees, damaged buildings, and infrastructure, as well as potential loss of life.

Beatuo, situated near the Ivory Coast Border, is notably the hometown of Enoch Doegolia, former Vice President of Liberia.

The recent storm mirrors a similar disaster in March this year, where another violent storm also struck Beatuo, destroying numerous houses and valuables, and tragically resulting in one fatality. Many residents are now facing the second round of loss and devastation in a few short months.

Residents have shared their plight with Heritage Newspaper, expressing their frustrations and despair. The storm, which began on June 4, 2024 at 1:00 AM, lasted over three minutes, forcing many to seek refuge in nearby villages, with family members, or in the forest. As of now, the affected individuals are desperately in need of basic supplies and support to rebuild their lives.

One resident, Ma Gbeadau, age 75, recounted her harrowing experience, stating that her three-bedroom home, built by her late husband, was completely destroyed. “Everything I had is gone,” she lamented.

In the wake of the disaster, the community is appealing to the National Government and humanitarian organizations for immediate assistance. They urgently need items such as zinc for roofing, household utensils, and other essentials to begin the process of recovery.

Mr. Porkamoi Kuyapo, the Principal of Beatuo Public School, detailed the extent of the damage to the school, which serves 410 students and was in the midst of the sixth period test. “I hope that the authorities will come to our aid because we have nowhere to go and nowhere to turn,” Kuyapo emphasized, highlighting the dire need for external support to restore educational facilities and resume classes.

As the community grapples with the aftermath of the storm, the lack of a coordinated response from their representative has compounded their struggles. Many have been left to fend for themselves, with minimal resources and no immediate relief in sight.

The people of Beatuo continue to hope for swift intervention from government and non-governmental organizations to help them rebuild their homes and lives in the wake of this devastating natural disaster.