From 1st to 4th September, Liberia has experienced excessive heavy rainfall in several cities with highest flooding reported in North-Eastern counties of Liberia: Grand Cape Mount, Bong and Montserrado. Areas especially affected are Kru Town; Gbarnga City and Monrovia coastal and urban side as well as the surrounding areas.
In total, around 15,200 people are reported to be affected by both urban and coastal floods which swept away infrastructure, fishing settlements, houses, communities' facilities etc. On 4th September, Monrovia and its environs recorded the major impact following the five days cumulative rains from 30 August that affected approximately 12,450 persons (1,778 HHs). The affected are mostly surrounding Moronvia or bordering Sierra Leone and the river crossing the North Est of the country.
The Liberia Meteorological Department has predicted continuous rains in September and October 2023 across all counties in the country. Obviously, with continuous heavy rainfall, it could trigger additional flooding in low-lying communities near rivers and streams. Urban flooding is also possible in areas with poor drainage systems. Sites downstream from large rivers are also vulnerable to flash flooding after relatively short periods of intense rainfall. These rains can cause further damage to infrastructure, road closures, and contamination.