After three consecutive days of heavy rains, Sierra Leone’s capital, Freetown, is grappling with severe flooding. Videos circulating on social media depict inundated communities and desperate pleas for help from residents.

In response to the crisis, President Julius Maada Bio expressed his condolences and concern in a public statement. “The continuous downpour of rain over the last few days has caused localized flooding, strong currents through open storm drains and underneath bridges, and damage to roads,” he wrote.

“My heart goes out to persons who have suffered losses due to the flooding. I urge everyone to take measures to keep yourselves and your loved ones safe.”

President Bio has directed the National Disaster Management Agency and other emergency services to be on high alert and provide necessary assistance to affected citizens.

“This disastrous rainfall pattern reminds us, as Sierra Leoneans, that we must intensify concrete climate adaptation and mitigation strategies in our country,” he emphasized.

Earlier, theNational Disaster Management Agency (NDMA) issued a fresh advisory urging residents to take precautions as heavy rain continues to lash Freetown.

Torrential downpours began on Saturday and persisted through Sunday morning, with rain still ongoing at the time of this report.

The Sierra Leone Meteorological Agency (SLMet) stationed at Tower Hill, Freetown, recorded significant rainfall on Saturday. Between 9:00 AM and 12:00 PM alone, a staggering 106mm of rain was measured. This substantial amount of precipitation has prompted warnings from SLMet regarding potential localized flooding within Freetown and other areas across the country.

Due to the heavy rain combined with already saturated ground from previous showers, meteorologists warn of an increased risk of flooding in low-lying areas and locations with inadequate drainage systems. Consequently, residents in Freetown and other vulnerable areas are strongly advised to take necessary precautions to ensure their safety and minimize potential property damage.

SLMet recommends avoiding unnecessary travel, particularly through areas prone to flooding. Drivers are urged to exercise extreme caution on waterlogged roads, which can be hazardous. Residents in flood-prone zones are encouraged to relocate to higher ground if possible and secure their belongings to prevent water damage.

The National Disaster Management Agency (NDMA) has provided emergency contact numbers:

+232 78 388 946
+232 78 303 293
+232 76 612 775
+232 79 756 499
Toll-free line through Africell: 1199