Liberia Red Cross Embrace Government’s Efforts Launch Early Warnings Initiatives ..Amidst Increasing Disasters

Monrovia-August 4,2024: The Liberian Red Cross has wholeheartedly embraced the government’s recent action on an official launch of the early warning for all (EW4ALL) initiative, a ground breaking effort in the West African region.

The Early Warning for All initiative is co-lead by the World Meteorological Organization(WMO) and the United Nations Officer for Diaster Risks Reduction (UNDRR), with support from the International Telecommunications Union (ITU), the International Federational of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC), and other partners.The initiative also gear development partners through existing partners and collaboration such as the Alliance for Hydroment Development,the Risk-Inform Early Action Partnership and other regional partnership and alliance.

National Organizations such as the National Disaster Management Agency(NDMA),the Ministry of Transport, the Liberia Telecommunication Authority (LTA),and the Ministry of Mines and Energy are key partners in this endeavor.

The Early Warning for All initiative is a collaborative effort in volving the government international and national partners.it focuses on four key pillars: Risk knowledge and observations, forecasting warning issuance, dissemination and communication, preparedness and response.The Liberian Red Cross is a key implementer of pillar four, focusing on preparedness and response.

In a statement the Liberian National Red Cross Secretary General Gregory T.Blamoh described the move by the Liberian government and its international partners as a crucial step in the right direction.

“This initiative is not a milestone,it is a lifeline for our communities”.

Mr.Blamoh added Liberia currently experiencing extraordinary multi -hazards including floods,coastal erosion and violent storms,among others.

The Liberian Red Cross has been one of the lead responders,” addressing the aftermath of these disasters and providing crucial supports to affected individuals.

The secretary General of the Red Cross emphasized the initiatives potential to save lives and mitigate the loss of property during the disasters.”The increasing frequency and severity of these disasters have had devastating impacts on our communities and vulnerable populations. The Early Warning initiative is vital for enchancing our preparedness and response capabilities.” He said.

Stating, “this initiative is our collective commitment to safeguarding our communities, ensuring that no one is left behind on the face of disasters. we are grateful for the support from all our partners and I look forward to the successful implementation of this crucial initiative.”

The Liberia Red Cross reaffirmed its commitment to working with partners in building a more resilient future for all Liberians.

” By putting in place community structures and providing comprehensive training,we aim to empower local communities to act swiftly and effectively in the face of diasters.”

The initiative aligns with the Paris Agreement and supports the Sendai framework for disaster risk reduction, especially target G which focuses on multi- hazard early warning systems. It also contributes to the 2030 agenda for sustainable development by addressing goals related to health,poverty, hunger,clean energy climate action,and sustainable cities ensuring the effectiveness of Early Warning systems for everyone is essential for global resoliance and sustainability.

In alignment with global efforts,the initiative aims to protect everyone from hydrological and meteorological disaster risks by 2027,that will mark a significant milestone in Liberia’s disaster preparedness and response efforts.

With climate change causing increasingly extreme weather,such systems are vital for saving lives, reducing economic losses,and offering a high return on investment.

Why early warning systems have proven effective in decreasing facilities and initiating damage from natural disasters, significant gap remain particularly in least-developed Countries.

The UN-Secretary General Anto’nio Guterres called for a global effort in 2022 to close these gaps as part of his acceleration agenda, marking early warning systems a
critical component of climate justice for those most vulnerable climate change.