March 19, 2026
The Liberia National Red Cross Society has announced immediate plans to support the rebuilding of Bethel Town in Dodian District, Rivercess County, following a devastating fire that destroyed 24 homes and 27 kitchens, leaving more than 150 women and children homeless. Families have been displaced, hungry, and forced to sleep under the open sky. Many now crowds into a town hall and two surviving houses, while others remain outdoors in unsafe and congested conditions that threaten new outbreaks of disease, including malaria.
“Our support to the people of Bethel Town is more than charity—it is a lifeline. It is a chance to give back dignity and stop a child from sleeping in the cold,” said Gregory Blamoh, Chief Executive Officer of the Liberia National Red Cross Society during his visit to Rivercess County.
The Red Cross will provide shelter materials to each affected household, including three bundles of zinc, cement, and nails to help rebuild their homes. As part of its vision for safer and stronger communities, the Red Cross will work with the community to transition from traditional mud-dug houses to durable dirt brick structures. The Red Cross will also provide a manual dirt brick molding machine, wheelbarrows, diggers, shovels, and other essential tools to support the brick-making, working closely with skilled local technicians and contractors to guide the rebuilding process.
The CEO Blamoh emphasized: “This tragedy is a painful reminder of how quickly lives can be shattered. In the spirit of humanity and solidarity, we extend our empathy to the people of Bethel Town and call for increased support for their recovery.” He further added that the Red Cross is deeply concerned for the well-being of those affected—especially women, children, the elderly, and people with existing health conditions. “These are mothers, fathers, and children who once had shelter, food, and dignity—now reduced to sleeping outdoors with nothing. They may be far away, but they are not forgotten.”
The Red Cross stressed that its support goes beyond rebuilding infrastructure—it is about restoring dignity and values as families build back better. This approach ensures that the intervention is not just immediate relief, but a pathway to resilience, helping families recover with dignity and laying the foundation for safer, stronger homes in Bethel Town.
The Red Cross expressed gratitude to its partners, including the Swedish Red Cross and the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC), for their initial support. CEO Blamoh also met with the County Superintendent to discuss collaboration and called on other organizations to join in solidarity. “Recovery begins with solidarity. We encourage everyone—partners, organizations, and individuals—to stand with Bethel. Whether through collaboration with the Red Cross or direct intervention, your support is crucial to help families recover better.”
Superintendent Byron W. Sahnwea expressed heartfelt gratitude to the Red Cross, stating: “We are deeply thankful to the Red Cross for demonstrating true humanity. Your presence here means a great deal to the people of Bethel Town. You are the first to come on the ground to show empathy and announce such significant support for recovery with hope and dignity. We assure you of our full cooperation and commitment to work together to ensure the success of this intervention.”
