The body of an unidentified person has been discovered beneath the Savage Street Bridge on Thursday morning.
The discovery was made by local residents after floodwaters began to recede. Authorities are yet to confirm the identity of the deceased.
Meanwhile, the National Disaster Management Agency (NDMA) has confirmed a deadly mudslide and flood-related incident at 54 Off Pratt Street, New England Ville, Freetown, which occurred around 6:00 PM on Tuesday, July 23.
According to the NDMA, the disaster was triggered by a section of a compound fence that collapsed after being overwhelmed by water and mud runoff from nearby hills. The falling structure crushed a makeshift residence (commonly referred to as a “pan body”) housing a family of six.
Four members of the household were directly impacted. Among them, three were swept away by the force of the floodwaters and later found dead. The victims include:
* Aminata Sesay, a 6-year-old girl, whose body was discovered at the scene and taken to the 34 Military Hospital mortuary.
* Sailor Sesay, an adult female and mother-in-law to the homeowner.
* Aliue Sesay, a 2-year-old boy.
Their bodies were recovered overnight in the Morjabie and Mordenah community watersides downstream.
One-year-old Ramatu Turay remains unaccounted for as of Thursday morning. Search and rescue operations continued overnight, focusing on stormwater drainage systems and key flood zones, including the Special Court area, which channels significant runoff from the hills.
Security forces, including officers from the New England Ville Police Post and stationed personnel at the Special Court, have been actively supporting rescue efforts.
The NDMA has announced that inter-agency teams will continue search operations throughout the day in hopes of locating the missing child and assessing the full extent of damage caused by the flooding.
As Sierra Leone enters its peak rainy season, this incident highlights the country’s ongoing vulnerability to extreme weather events and the urgent need for improved infrastructure and disaster preparedness.
