A four-storey building in Congo Town, located in the western part of Freetown, has collapsed, according to initial reports.
It is feared that several people may be trapped under the debris.
The disaster is being attributed to poor construction practices, which have raised concerns about building safety in the area.
The incident comes amid relentless rainfall that has been pounding the region since last month. The continuous downpour has led to localized flooding, strong water currents surging through open storm drains, and the erosion of roads and bridges, further exacerbating the risks to infrastructure and public safety.
This tragic event serves as a stark reminder of the urgent need for Sierra Leone to strengthen its climate adaptation and mitigation strategies.
As extreme weather patterns become more frequent, the country must take concrete steps to ensure the safety and resilience of its communities.
Authorities are being urged to prioritize better construction standards and disaster preparedness to prevent such incidents in the future.
Emergency response teams are currently on the scene, working to rescue those who may be trapped.