Authorities in Waterloo and the Western Area Rural District Council, along with the Waterloo Community Health Center, have confirmed that there were no deaths during yesterday’s floods in the township of Waterloo, contradicting social media reports that claimed fatalities.

The floods, however, caused extensive damage to properties and businesses, with losses amounting to millions of leones. According to a joint assessment report from the National Disaster Management Agency (NDMA) and the Sierra Leone Meteorological Agency, no fatalities were recorded during the floods.

“The three individuals, two adults and one child, reported as deceased were rescued by neighbors after falling from a guardrail into the waterway. One adult victim was briefly unconscious and was rushed to the ADRA Hospital in Waterloo; she has since regained consciousness and is responding to treatment,” stated the report published earlier today.

The Sierra Leone Meteorological Agency attributed the flooding to “the significant cumulative rainfall of 59.2mm recorded from July 16-17, 2024.” The assessment team identified other flood-related incidents, including the collapse of a school fence at Lorenzo Secondary School along the Allen Town-Waterloo Highway, which poses a risk to nearby properties and residents. The report noted that, in collaboration with the Waterloo Police Division, the team instructed the school administration to demolish the entire fence to ensure community safety.

Chairman Kasho J. Holland Cole of the Western Area Rural District Council sent his team to rescue victims and assess the situation yesterday. He has assured his commitment to addressing the issues and ensuring that traders and residents are placed in a safer environment.

The floods have highlighted the urgent need for better flood management and infrastructure improvements in the region to prevent future occurrences. Authorities are urging residents to stay alert and follow safety guidelines during the rainy season. The NDMA and other agencies are working to provide relief and support to those affected by the floods, focusing on rebuilding and improving resilience against future disasters.