By Ragan M. Conteh
The National Disaster Management Agency (NDMA), an institution established to manage and prevent disasters in the country has revealed that through an assessment nationwide a total number of 167 buildings have collapsed so far in the country, leading to the loss of many lives and properties.
NDMA report further indicated that of the 27 flooding incidents in 10 districts leaving about 7,324 hectares of farmland under water in Bonthe District and among others.
The NDMA further said that preliminary findings indicate that the primary cause of the flooding is due to heavy trans boundary precipitation from Guinea.
The NDMA, in partnership with the Sierra Leone Meteorological Agency, has been tracking rainfall patterns and had confirmed that Sierra Leone has never experienced too many rains capable of causing such significant flooding and destruction in the country.
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, the Agency stated that these forecasts predicted heavy precipitation in Guinea, the forecasts report have been verified by news reports.
NDMA revealed that this year the heavy rains in Guinea have also caused flooding with rivers at the Futa Jallon overflowing the Highlands and thus emptying into the Atlantic Ocean linking the two neighbouring countries while leading to severe flooding in Sierra Leone.
In a visit to affected areas, NDMA regional officers, have urged residents to remain vigilant regarding the heightened risk of waterborne diseases to be particularly caused on children being exposed to floodwaters.
They also emphasized the importance of safeguarding the drinkable water sources not to highly contaminate especially in flooded communities.
The NDMA says it 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 on flooding disasters.
Currently, citizens are encouraged to report flooding-affected communities or report any disasters by calling NDMA’s toll-free line, 1199 available on Africell and Qcell, or by visiting the NDMA headquarters at 64 Sir Samuel Lewis Road, Aberdeen the disaster agency has advised.
People could also link up the NDMA’s regional offices in Bo, Kenema, Makeni, and Port Loko, available also for immediate assistance.