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The Director General of the National Disaster Management Agency (NDMA), John Vandy Rogers, has paid a courtesy visit to the Turkish Ambassador to Sierra Leone, Yusuf Burak Rende, to seek urgent humanitarian support following a devastating windstorm in Kono District.
The visit was aimed at engaging the Turkish Embassy and appealing for assistance after the disaster struck Gandorhun Town and surrounding communities in Mongor Section, Gbane Chiefdom. The windstorm reportedly destroyed about 149 houses, displaced more than 900 people, injured several residents, and caused extensive damage to schools, public infrastructure, and livelihoods.
During the engagement, DG Rogers briefed the ambassador and embassy officials on the scale of destruction and the urgent needs of affected communities, including shelter, food, and essential relief items.
He emphasized the importance of international partnership in addressing the humanitarian crisis.
“We are here today to strengthen collaboration and appeal for support for our brothers and sisters in Kono who have been severely affected by this unfortunate disaster. More than 900 people have been displaced, families have lost their homes, and there is an urgent need for shelter, food supplies, and other relief assistance,” he said. “We appreciate the longstanding friendship between Sierra Leone and Türkiye and believe this partnership can greatly help alleviate the suffering of the victims.”
He also commended the Government of Türkiye and humanitarian partners for their continued support to Sierra Leone during emergencies.
In response, Ambassador Rende welcomed the NDMA delegation and reaffirmed Türkiye’s commitment to supporting Sierra Leone’s humanitarian and development efforts.
“Türkiye will continue to stand with Sierra Leone, especially during challenging moments such as this. We appreciate the tremendous work being done by the NDMA under the leadership of Director General John Vandy Rogers in responding to disasters and protecting vulnerable communities,” he said.
He further disclosed that the Turkish Embassy, in collaboration with the Turkish Cooperation and Coordination Agency (TİKA), would explore possible interventions to support victims of the windstorm.
“We will engage TİKA and examine ways in which we can contribute meaningfully to support the victims of the windstorm disaster,” he added.
The engagement concluded with Deputy Director General Sulaiman B. Sowa reaffirming the NDMA’s commitment to working closely with the Turkish Embassy to ensure swift humanitarian support for affected communities in Kono.
