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The National Disaster Management Agency (NDMA) has commenced an open-space public awareness and sensitization campaign across flood-prone communities in Freetown as part of efforts to reduce the risk and impact of flooding during the ongoing rainy season.
The campaign, which is being implemented under NDMA’s Flood Mitigation Strategy, is targeting communities including Jui, Portee, Wellington, Shell, Up Gun, and the PZ axis. The initiative seeks to educate residents on practical actions they can take to prevent flooding and other related disasters within their communities.
Leading the campaign is the Deputy Director of Communications, Mrs. Philomina Isatu Turay, alongside a team of senior NDMA officials. Throughout the exercise, multi-hazard early warning jingles and public safety messages were played through an open vehicle as officials engaged residents, traders, commuters, and the wider public on disaster risk reduction measures.
Speaking to residents and commuters at Jui, Mrs. Turay emphasized the importance of community ownership in disaster prevention. “Flooding is not solely a government problem; it is a community challenge that requires collective action. When people dump waste into drainage, build on waterways, or fail to keep their surroundings clean, they increase the risk of flooding. We are here to encourage everyone to become active participants in protecting their communities,” she said.
Addressing community members at PZ, Mrs. Turay further highlighted the devastating consequences of preventable flooding and called for greater vigilance. “Every year, families lose valuable property and livelihoods due to flooding. Many of these incidents can be prevented if we all play our part by maintaining clear drainage systems and adhering to environmental regulations. Prevention remains our most effective tool in disaster management,” she noted.
The Director General of the National Disaster Management Agency, John Vandy Rogers, further reaffirmed the Agency’s commitment to proactive disaster risk reduction.
“This annual awareness campaign is a critical component of our flood mitigation efforts. It allows us to engage communities directly, promote behavioral change, and strengthen public understanding of disaster risks. Our objective is to reduce the impact of flooding through prevention, preparedness, and collective responsibility,” he said.
According to the agency, the initiative is part of NDMA’s strategy to enhance the dissemination of early warning messages and reduce the occurrence and impact of disasters during the peak of the rainy season across the country.
