A. Situation analysis
Description of the disaster
From 29 June 2016, Upper and Lower Margibi County in Liberia experienced widespread flooding, which affected more than 15,000 people (15,431) in 49 communities. Flooding started during the early morning hours following torrential rain in the northern parts of the country causing the banks of Du River in Lower Margibi and Benla Creek in Upper Margibi to overflow. Liberia has a record of floods in the last ten years and is among the wettest countries in West Africa and the world. Among the 49 communities currently affected, damage of numerous homes has been reported, and more than 10,000 people have been made homeless. It is reported that the flooding has contaminated water sources and latrines have collapsed, while pre-existing health sector weaknesses worsened by the Ebola Virus Disease (EVD) outbreak still remain and access to health care services is poor, increasing the risk of diseases following the floods. The flood-affected population are staying in public buildings (churches, mosques and schools) with limited access to sanitation, which is resulting in an increase in open defecation. The floods have also caused damage to crops (vegetables and root crops).
As of 8 July, the flooding had not receded and the water table continued to rise. Meteorological forecasts indicate that the rains will continue with the number of people affected expected to increase and affect Margibi and also Montserrado (including the capital of Monrovia).