The National Disaster Management Agency (NDMA) has issued an urgent public advisory warning of heavy rainfall forecasted to hit Sierra Leone over the next three days, from July 30 to August 2, 2025.

This warning follows a climate forecast by the African Union’s Climate Centre (ACMAD/OCHA) and corroborated by the Sierra Leone Meteorological Agency (SLMet). The agencies project cumulative rainfall between 100mm and 150mm over the five-day period, which poses serious risks of flash floods, landslides, and infrastructural damage, particularly in vulnerable urban and hillside areas.

Areas Most at Risk:

Low-lying coastal communities

Hillside and erosion-prone zones

Locations with poor drainage or blocked waterways

Areas already saturated from previous rainfall

Safety & Preparedness Measures:

Relocate from High-Risk Zones: Residents living near rivers, floodplains, or on unstable slopes are strongly advised to consider temporary relocation.

Clear Gutters and Drains: Communities should clear debris from waterways to allow free water flow and reduce the risk of localised flooding.

Emergency Contacts: In case of emergency, call NDMA’s toll-free line: 1199 (available on all networks).

The NDMA emphasises that this is an early warning and that all citizens must remain vigilant and prioritise safety during this period. The agency is actively coordinating with relevant partners and will continue to monitor the situation closely.