The National Disaster Management Agency (NDMA) promptly visited the scene of a slope collapse incident in the Devil Hole community, Western Rural District, to conduct a comprehensive assessment and ascertain the cause and extent of the damage to properties and the affected population.

During the site visit, the NDMA team engaged with Mr. Ibrahim Jalloh, a community elder and eyewitness, who recounted the events leading up to the slope collapse. He revealed that the community had been warned about the visible cracks on the hillside, which were a result of clearing the hill to construct houses, undermining its integrity.

In response, the community authorities advised residents to evacuate the area and secure the danger zone. Fortunately, all the residents heeded the warning and left the scene before the slope collapse occurred in the early hours of July 1st, 2024.

The slope collapse resulted in the destruction of six houses, four of which were unfinished structures, and two completed houses with a total of 13 occupants. Thanks to the prompt evacuation and adherence to the advice from community elders, there were no reported casualties.

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During the assessment, Ronald Turay, the Senior Relief and Response Officer at NDMA, engaged with the community members and emphasized the dangers of clearing natural vegetation and trees on hillsides. He explained that such actions can lead to increased erosion, landslides, and slope collapses, putting all nearby structures and lives at risk. Turay also highlighted that constructing houses on weathered rocks and areas with heavy water flow can contribute to such incidents.

Furthermore, Turay warned the community that houses built on hilltops or with inadequate foundations are inherently more prone to damage and collapse, especially during heavy rains. He urged the community authorities to stop selling land on hilltops to protect the lives and properties of their community members.

The slope collapse incident caused significant property damage, with losses estimated in the thousands of new Leones. This event underscores the importance of citizens adhering to government orders and regulations designed to safeguard individuals, families, and communities.

The NDMA will continue to collaborate with the Ministry of Lands, Housing, and Country Planning to enhance land-use regulations and prevent further development on high-risk slopes. The agency will also conduct risk assessments to identify areas prone to slope instability and potential collapse, implement early warning systems and monitoring mechanisms, and continue its public awareness campaigns to educate communities on the risks of building on hilltops and preventive measures.