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The National Disaster Management Agency (NDMA) today continued its community engagement campaign on flood prevention and disaster preparedness, targeting residents in several communities across the western end of Freetown, including Funkia, Lumley, Metchem, and surrounding areas.
The initiative forms part of the Agency’s ongoing efforts to strengthen public awareness ahead of the peak of the rainy season and encourage residents to adopt safer practices that reduce disaster risks within their communities.
The exercise was led by the Deputy Director of Communications, Mrs. Philomina Isatu Turay, and the Agency’s Gender Coordinator, Mrs. Erica Konneh, who engaged community members through public sensitization and the dissemination of early warning and safety messages.
Residents were encouraged to take practical steps to prevent flooding, including proper waste disposal, keeping drainage channels free of obstruction, and reporting emerging hazards to the appropriate authorities.
Engaging residents and traders at Lumley Park and Lumley Market, Mrs. Turay emphasized the importance of sustained community action in addressing flood risks.
“The fight against flooding requires continuous public vigilance and collective responsibility. Communities that keep their surroundings clean, protect drainage systems, and promptly report hazards significantly reduce their vulnerability to disasters. Prevention remains the most effective and least costly approach to disaster management,” she stated.
At Metchem Junction, Mrs. Konneh stressed the critical role of community leadership and inclusiveness in building resilience against disasters.
“Disaster preparedness is everyone’s responsibility. Women, men, young people, persons with disabilities, and community leaders all have a role to play in building safer and more resilient communities. When everyone is informed and actively involved, we stand a better chance of preventing disasters and protecting lives and livelihoods,” she said.
The awareness campaign also served as a platform for direct interaction with residents on disaster risks affecting their communities and the actions required to minimize vulnerabilities during the rainy season.
The NDMA will continue to intensify the dissemination of disaster risk reduction messages across communities to promote a culture of preparedness and strengthen the capacity of residents to withstand, respond to, and recover from disasters.
