Eight Years Later: Remembering Sierra Leone’s Deadliest Disaster That Claimed Over 1,000 Lives

At about 6:50 a.m. on August 14, 2017, after days of continuous rainfall, a large section of Sugar Loaf hill above Regent collapsed. A fast-moving flow of mud, rocks, and water rushed through the area, destroying homes and killing more than 1,000 people within minutes.

The landslide involved approximately 300,000 cubic meters of debris. It traveled about 6 kilometers from the hillside down to the coastline, cutting through communities and flooding parts of the city. More than 400 buildings were destroyed, leaving thousands without homes.

Experts say the collapse was caused by heavy rains combined with deforestation and soil erosion, which made the slope unstable.

Following the disaster, the government declared a state of emergency and began relief efforts. Rescue teams, volunteers, and aid organizations worked under difficult conditions to find survivors and recover bodies. A relief center was set up in Regent to support displaced families.

In the years since, recovery has been slow. Some families have been relocated, and efforts have been made to improve early warning systems and reduce risks from future landslides. However, environmental challenges and rebuilding needs remain.

Today, on the eighth anniversary, Sierra Leone remembers the lives lost and the impact on the Regent community. Posts and messages across the country recall that tragic morning and the thousands affected. Families, survivors, and others continue to work toward healing and rebuilding, while the nation reflects on the importance of safer communities and better land management.