The National Disaster Management Agency (NDMA) on Monday 23rd September, 2024 informed the public that 27 flooding incidents have been mapped that severely affected farmlands and businesses, as well as caused widespread collapse of buildings in the country.
The flooding has impacted chiefdoms in several districts including Bo: Baoma, Kakua, Jaiama and Valunia; Bonthe: Benducha, Bonthe Island, Bum and Yorbekwu; Bombali: Bombali Shebora; Falaba: Dembeleya Musaia; Kambia: Mambolo, Samu and Thonkor Limba; Moyamba: Fakunia, Kamajei, Kagboro, Kori, Njama Kowa and Rotifunk; Tonkolili: Dansogoia and Kalantuba; Port Loko: Kamasondo; Western Area: Western Area Urban and Western Area Rural. To date, the NDMA has recorded 27 flood-affected communities, impacting 3,330 households and directly affecting the livelihoods of 23,596 people. A total of 167 buildings have collapsed, including 27 critical infrastructures such as schools, hospitals, and places of worship. Additionally, 7,324 hectares of farmland have been inundated and many roads have become impassable for more than seven days, severely disrupting local economies and livelihoods.
Preliminary findings indicate that the primary cause of the flooding is heavy transboundary precipitation from neighbouring Guinea. The NDMA, in partnership with the Sierra Leone Meteorological Agency, has been tracking rainfall patterns and can confirm that Sierra Leone did not experience rain capable of causing such significant flooding and destruction.
The Agency has closely monitored the biweekly weather forecasts from the African Multi-Hazard Early Warning and Action Systems for DRR Continental Situation Room.
Throughout July, August and September, these forecasts predicted heavy precipitation in Guinea, which has been verified by news reports.
The heavy rains in Guinea caused flooding, with rivers originating from the Futa Jallon Highlands overflowing and emptying into the Atlantic, leading to severe flooding in Sierra Leone. During visits to affected areas, NDMA Regional Officers, who mapped the flooding incidents in the country, urged residents to remain vigilant given the heightened risk of waterborne diseases, particularly among children exposed to floodwaters.
The officers also emphasized the importance of safeguarding drinking water sources from contamination in flooded communities.
The NDMA is working with partners such as the World Food Programme (WFP), the Sierra Leone Red Cross Society (SLRCS) and the Food Systems Resilience Project (FSRP) to conduct detailed assessments and ensure accurate data collection and a coordinated humanitarian response.
Citizens are encouraged to report flood-affected communities or any emergencies by calling the NDMA's toll-free line, 1199, available on Africell and Qcell, or by visiting the NDMA headquarters on 64 Sir Samuel Lewis Road, Aberdeen, Freetown. Regional offices in Bo, Kenema, Makeni and Port Loko are also available for assistance.
Credit: Directorate of Communications NDMA