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The National Disaster Management Agency (NDMA) in Sierra Leone has 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
We are good at creating agencies with all sorts of nomenclatures and directors – jobs for the boys, I guess. Is the NDMA equipped to handle what now appears to be a recurring event? What are the emergency contact numbers good for?