By Abdul Kamara

Bo District, Sierra Leone Residents of Taninahun village in Baoma Chiefdom have been urgently calling on both government and non-governmental organizations to come to their aid after torrential rains and flooding destroyed homes and displaced families.

The recent downpour left the community severely devastated, with more than 75 out of 100 houses badly affected. Many residents are now homeless and struggling to survive without basic necessities.

One of the victims, Bobor Kenneh, lamented the hardship caused by the flooding. “We have been left with nothing. Our homes, our belongings, everything is gone. Most of us are now staying in schools, but school is about to resume, and we have nowhere else to go,” he said in frustration.

The situation has created panic among displaced families, who fear they will be left completely without shelter once schools reopen. In addition to homes, the flooding also destroyed household items, food supplies, and other essentials, further worsen the suffering of the community.

Local authorities, including District Council Chairman Mr. Hindowa, visited the community to assess the damage and pledged support. However, residents and community leaders, including the chief and headman, stressed that urgent relief is needed. They appealed for food, shelter, and other necessities to help them cope with the crisis.

“Our people are hungry, homeless, and suffering. We need swift aid from the government and humanitarian partners to survive this disaster,” the community headman said.

The plight of Taninahun highlights the increasing vulnerability of rural communities in Sierra Leone to climate-related disasters such as flooding, which continue to destroy lives and livelihoods across the country.