Flood Disaster Kills 15 People Across Freetown
Sierra Leoneans, especially those living in the capital, Freetown, could be in for a close call with death this rainy season if actions are not taken to avert the looming danger. The recent rainfall on Wednesday morning, 10th May 2023, resulted in the deaths of some 15 people across parts of the city. At Cline Town, in eastern Freetown, kids, husband, wife and a pregnant woman lost their lives to the flood that occurred during the rain.
According to the former Mayor of the Municipality, Yvonne Aki-Sawyer, this situation could have been avoided if proper planning of the city had been made, with people at the lands Ministry doing due diligence to the construction sites of people who go to them for approval. She furthered that when the water ways are blocked by houses and other construction materials, the water will look for a way, and the end result is going into people’s homes. She maintained that this is not about flood mitigation, but serious action should be taken to stop people from building on waterways, and also stop deforestation of the rural areas, including mountainous areas, as these trees serve as cover for the rain. She recalled informing the lands ministry about issuance of permits to build in waterways, especially in eastern Freetown, but their response was that they would look into the matter.
Aki-Sawyer furthered that the WHO report indicates that some 1,500 hectares of Western Area land has been lost to deforestation. She maintained that if action is not taken to stop these activities more disaster will come, especially during the rainy season. She also maintained that the drainages should be widen when construction of roads are being done, and that the SLRA should ensure that they comply with the relevant drainage gauge to enhance free flow of water during the rains.
