Makeni City was hit by serious flooding on Tuesday evening (1 September 2026) after hours of heavy rainfall, with floodwaters covering several major roads and streets and making travel difficult for motorists, pedestrians and residents.
Affected areas include Lunsar Road, Yikes Area, Agriculture Road, Frontier Road, Azzolini Highway and other key routes across the city. Water took over these thoroughfares, slowing or blocking movement and creating challenges for people trying to get home or continue their daily activities.
Shop owners in the flooded zones reported significant losses, with goods and businesses damaged by the rising water. Many traders expressed frustration and pain over the destruction of their stock and the impact on their livelihoods.
The incident has again drawn attention to the city’s drainage systems and how they cope with continuous heavy rainfall during the rainy season. Residents and local observers have raised concerns that blocked or inadequate drains are worsening the problem, allowing water to quickly overwhelm roads and nearby communities.
This flooding in Makeni comes as Sierra Leone continues to experience intense rains. The National Disaster Management Agency (NDMA) and local authorities have previously carried out drainage-clearing and preparedness work in Makeni and other towns ahead of the peak rainy period, but residents say more sustained action is needed to protect roads, homes and businesses.
Local authorities and emergency responders are expected to assess the situation.
