Freetown, 23rd September 2024 – The National Disaster Management Agency (NDMA) informs the public that 27 flooding incidents have been mapped by its regional teams, severely affecting farmlands and businesses, and causing widespread building collapses across the country.
The flooding has impacted chiefdoms in several districts, including:
- Bo District: Baoma, Kakua, Jaiama, and Valunia
- Bonthe District: Benducha, Bonthe Island, Bum, and Yorbekwu
- Bombali District: Bombali Shebora
- Falaba District: Dembeleya Musaia
- Kambia District: Mambolo, Samu, and Thonkor Limba
- Moyamba District: Fakunia, Kamajei, Kagboro, Kori, Njama Kowa, and Rotifung
- Tonkolili District: Dansogoia and Kalantuba
- Port Loko District: Kamasondo
- Pujehun District: Kpanka Kabondeh, Peri, Barri and Sorogbema
- 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 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 urged residents to remain vigilant regarding the heightened risk of waterborne diseases, particularly among children exposed to floodwaters. They 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, 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 at 64 Sir Samuel Lewis Road, Aberdeen. Regional offices in Bo, Kenema, Makeni, and Port Loko are also available for assistance.
