By Alusine Sesay
Sierra Leone capital, Freetown, has been experiencing persistent torrential rains since July 1, 2024.
The highest recorded incident was on Saturday, July 20, 2024, with rains causing associated impacts, including flooding in low-lying areas.
Major roads in the city were rendered impassable due to the flood waters, heavily constraining vehicles and pedestrians having to find alternative routes.
The city continues to experience more heavy rains which may cause flooding in additional communities and increase the number of affected people.
A public safety advisory from the National Disaster Management Agency on Saturday said, “Following the weather forecast from the Sierra Leone Meteorological Agency, which recorded a cumulative rainfall of 106mm from 9:00am to 12:00 noon, there is a significant risk of localized flooding in Freetown and several other locations across the country.”
“The National Disaster Management Agency (NDMA) has been actively monitoring conditions in flood-prone areas. Community volunteers have been mobilized to report incidents within their communities. Although floods have been reported across Freetown, there have been no major incidents reported so far,” the Agency said in the statement.
In light of this situation, the public is advised to take the following precautions, especially those in flood-prone areas:
1. Avoid Flood-Prone Areas:
– Do not attempt to cross flooded roads or bridges on foot or by vehicle.
– Avoid low-lying areas, riverbanks, and streams.
2. Seek Safe Shelter:
– Move to higher ground immediately if you are in a flood-prone area.
– Stay indoors and avoid unnecessary travel.
3. Community Safety:
– Check on neighbors, especially the elderly, children, and those with disabilities.
– Do not allow children to play in or near floodwaters.
– Turn off electrical appliances and gas connections to prevent accidents.
– Residents must ensure to leave their gates open if they observe higher water levels in their compounds.
4. Health Precautions:
– Avoid contact with floodwaters as they may be contaminated.
– Practice good hygiene and wash hands thoroughly after exposure to floodwaters.
5. Stay Informed:
– Keep updated with weather reports and alerts from SL Met and NDMA.
– Follow instructions from local authorities.
The NDMA said it is closely monitoring the situation and will provide updates as necessary.
Freetown faces severe flooding due to its topography and urbanization, according to an environmentalist Foday Bangura. He said that over the years residents of Freetown have shown reckless disregard for the environment with irresponsible cutting down of trees on the hills overlooking Freetown to make way for the construction of houses.
To address flood problems in Freetown, he said that the authorities should consider upgrade of drainage infrastructure. This will be done by enhancing the city’s drainage system by constructing new channels, widening existing ones, and installing culverts, according to him.
Bangura said the watershed management should be promoted through the protection and restoration natural water catchment areas, like the Western Area Peninsula Forest Reserve.
He said that the authorities should also designate flood-prone areas as non-residential zones, relocating residents to safer areas, and undertake robust urban planning.