Grafton, Western Rural District, Freetown, 19 May 2026 – Following a reported windstorm incident at FAWE Girls Junior Secondary School in Grafton, the National Disaster Management Agency (NDMA) has conducted an assessment at the school after sections of its roof were ripped off, disrupting learning activities.
The incident occurred around 11:00pm on Monday, 18 May 2026, when strong winds caused extensive damage to eight rooms within the school compound. The affected structures include six classrooms, the staff room, and the principal’s office, leaving the buildings exposed and unsafe for academic activities.
The assessment team was led by NDMA’s Disaster Officer, Sheku Mansaray, who visited the school to evaluate the extent of the damage and engage the administration on urgent needs and possible interventions. Speaking during the visit, Sheku Mansaray expressed sympathy to the school authorities and reaffirmed the agency’s commitment to supporting public facilities affected by disasters.
“This assessment is intended to determine the level of destruction caused by the windstorm and identify immediate needs for appropriate action. The safety and continuity of education for these young girls remain a priority, and NDMA will collaborate with relevant stakeholders and partners to ensure timely support,” he stated.
Principal of the school, Madam Ramatu Kamara, described the incident as a serious setback, noting that the damage has created uncertainty among both staff and pupils. She commended NDMA for its swift response and assessment visit.
“We are grateful to NDMA for responding promptly to assess the situation. The damage is severe, and with more than 350 girls affected, normal learning activities have been greatly disrupted. We hope urgent support will be provided to restore a safe and conducive learning environment for both students and staff.” Madam Kamara said.
The NDMA hereby urges the public to adopt precautionary measures during this period of strong windstorms and in preparation for the peak rainy season in July, August, and September, when heavy rainfall is expected across the country. The Agency will continue to implement its flood mitigation strategies to minimize risks and strengthen disaster preparedness nationwide.
For More Enquiries:
Directorate of Communications
Toll-free line: 1199 (all networks)
Email: mohamedIbah@ndma.gov.sl
