โBy Perry B. Zordyu โโ
The Chief Executive at the Liberian National Red Cross Society has outlined five key pillars that the government should prioritize and institutionalize in the fight against disaster.โโ
Mr. Gregory Blamoh said if the government institutionalized the Anticipatory Actions before any given crisis of disaster, it will build and strengthen agencies involved to move faster, and work more effectively.
โโSpeaking during a one day forum on National Stakeholder Dialogue on Anticipatory Actions for Disaster in Liberia Friday at the Mamba Point Hotel in Monrovia, LNRCS Chief Executive noted that strengthening forecasting and early warning systems investment must be prioritized adding that continues engagement is robust in climate and hydrological monitoring systems.โโ
According to him, it improves data accuracy, and ensures that early warnings reach every community in the language, format, and channels they understand as well as develop a National Anticipatory Action Framework to formalize triggers, roles, and responsibilities, ensuring that once a forecast crosses a threshold, actors know exactly what to do and when to do it. โโ
The Liberian National Red Cross Society Secretary General and Chief Executive maintained that an established pre-arranged Financing for Early Action is necessary and requires fast, predictable financing noting that dedicated budget lines within national disaster management frameworks and support from partners for forecast-based action is essential as one dollar invested before a disaster saves many more after.โโ
Pointing to strengthen community preparedness, Mr. Blamoh indicated that communities are the first responders and must be empower with tools, knowledge, and resources to act early-through trained volunteers, local disaster committees, and community early action plans.โโ
The Liberian Red Cross head stressed the need to promote coordination and information sharing adding that no single institution can deliver anticipatory action alone.
โโ”Coordination among meteorological agencies, humanitarian actors, academics, and local leaders is essential. Disasters do not respect institutional boundaries-neither should our response. This requires strong government leadership and harmonized protocols.” LNRCS Chief Executive noted.โโ
Renewing commitment, Mr. Gregory Blamoh said the Liberian National Red Cross Society remains fully committed to supporting the national vision for anticipatory action and reaffirming its mandate to save lives before, during, and after emergencies.โ
