Freetown, October 29, 2024 – On Thursday, October 24, Freetown was struck by intense rainfall, resulting in severe flooding and widespread damage across several communities. A team from the National Disaster Management Agency (NDMA), led by Director of Regional Coordination Paul Thomas, promptly visited the affected areas to assess the damage and provide support.
The team’s first assessment took place at Texaco Old Road, where the SDA Church and school compound suffered extensive flooding. Floodwaters breached a perimeter fence, in place for 15 years, spilling into classrooms and the church auditorium, which disrupted primary and secondary school sessions. Classes resumed only after the water receded and the rooms were dried.
According to the school’s principal and head deacon, James Kanu, the flooding was caused by a newly constructed building that blocked a culvert, disrupting the natural water flow. Fortunately, no injuries were reported. The NDMA is working with relevant authorities to address the issue and prevent future occurrences.
The NDMA team then proceeded to Lower Kuntolor, where eight mud-brick homes were destroyed by floodwaters from uncontrolled hillside waterways. More than 150 people across 30 households were displaced. NDMA field officers registered the affected families and arranged temporary shelter, with support from the local councillor and community stakeholders. Prince Tommy Williams, proprietor of the Life Line Nehemiah Project, a local skills training centre, generously offered one of the organization’s facilities as temporary shelter for displaced individuals.
At Upper Melon Street, Old Road, another severe incident unfolded when a perimeter fence collapsed under the force of floodwaters, sweeping away two adult men, aged 21 and 40, who were outside fetching water. Sadly, the 40-year-old man, Alhaji M. Bah, was later found deceased in a gutter on New Road. The 21-year-old man, Samba Conteh, remains missing despite exhaustive search efforts by community youths and the use of an excavator to clear debris from the site. Family members have also reported the incident to the police, with additional search efforts planned.
The NDMA remains committed to implementing its flood mitigation strategy across the Western Area and continues to advise residents to avoid obstructing waterways or dumping waste in drains. The Agency urges citizens to report emergencies by dialing 1199 toll-free from any network.
