The director of the Sierra Leone National Disaster Management Agency (NDMA) is Dr. Ibrahim B. Jalloh warn the Freetown Weather Alert, he said in Sierra Leone has issued an urgent warning to residents, particularly those in the capital, regarding severe weather conditions. The alert indicates that the region is experiencing over 50mm of precipitation per hour, posing significant risks to public safety.
In their warning, officials advised residents“For your safety, please avoid pre-drainages, waterway passageways, hillside areas, and coastal regions. Refrain from traveling to unfamiliar locations throughout this week.”
The beginning of July has already seen heavy and continuous rainfall, leading to severe flooding and property damage in various parts of the city. In a particularly alarming incident, heavy rains caused the collapse of a slope in Devil Hole, located in the Western Area Rural District. This unfortunate event resulted in the destruction of six houses and left thirteen occupants homeless.
The Sierra Leone National Disaster Management Agency (NDMA) has highlighted the dangers associated with clearing natural vegetation and trees on hillsides. Such actions significantly increase the risk of erosion, landslides, and slope collapses, endangering nearby structures and the lives of residents.
Fortunately, due to prompt evacuations and adherence to community elders’ advice, no casualties were reported in the recent slope collapse, which affected four unfinished structures and two completed homes.
To mitigate future risks, the NDMA plans to collaborate with the Ministry of Lands, Housing, and Country Planning to strengthen land-use regulations and prevent development on high-risk slopes. The agency aims to conduct risk assessments to identify areas prone to slope instability, implement early warning systems, and enhance public awareness campaigns to educate communities on the dangers of building on hilltops and necessary preventive measures.
Residents are urged to remain vigilant, stay informed, and take necessary precautions to ensure their safety during this severe weather event.