By Rolinda J. Kantan
MONROVIA, June 5 (LINA) – The Executive Director of the National Disaster Management Agency (NDMA), Ansu V. S. Dulleh has issued a stern warning to citizens as well as residents, alerting them of the potential impacts of this year’s rainy season, which is forecast to be marked by extreme rainfall and severe weather conditions.
Speaking Tuesday, June 3, 2025, at the Ministry of Information, Cultural Affairs and Tourism (MICAT) regular press briefing on Tuesday, May 3, 2025, Director Dulleh disclosed that the 2025 rainy season, expected to peak between June and September, could bring rainfall levels exceeding 1,000 millimeters in June and September, and over 800 millimeters in July and August in Monrovia, according to World Bank projections.
He added that meteorological data from the Roberts International Airport METAR weather station and the NOAA’s Integrated Surface Database (ISD) also show that wind speeds are expected to range from 4 miles per hour (mph) between June and August, increasing to 8 mph from September through December.
Also, the NDMA boss cautioned the public to brace themselves for violent storms with wind gusts up to 73 mph projected to occur from July to October.
As part of the NDMA’s forecast, over 60,000 residents in low-lying, coastal, and flood-prone communities are at risk of flash and coastal flooding.
Mr. Dulleh emphasized that structures lacking climate resilience could suffer significant damage, potentially leading to widespread displacement.
He further cautioned that the prevailing weather conditions may also trigger a rise in waterborne and other health-related diseases.
In terms of preparedness, the NDMA boss announced that President Joseph Nyuma Boakai has issued Executive Order No. 141 to curb encroachment on wetlands, with enforcement currently underway.
He also disclosed that the NDMA is collaborating with the Ministry of Public Works and other relevant institutions under the Liberia Urban Resilience Project, funded by the World Bank, will clear drainages and waterways as a flood mitigation measure.
