Freetown, 3 August 2026 — Heavy rainfall lasting six to seven hours in the early hours of Monday triggered widespread flash flooding, severe erosion and slope collapses across several communities in Freetown, the National Disaster Management Agency (NDMA) said in an update.
The Agency said low-lying and hillside communities were particularly affected. Field officers were dispatched for search-and-rescue operations and preliminary assessments with partners.
Key impacts reported
– Portor Community, Juba: More than 300 houses were completely flooded. Properties were destroyed and hundreds of residents displaced. Two children were reported missing and search efforts continued. Eight community boreholes that serve as the main source of drinking water were contaminated by floodwaters and declared unsafe for human consumption.
– Metchem Community: A compound wall near a building known as the Kailahun Court Barray collapsed, killing three people — a five-year-old girl, her mother and her grandmother. Their remains were taken to the mortuary.
– 44 Femi Turner Drive: Intense erosion caused a perimeter wall to collapse and washed away three vehicles.
The NDMA noted that the Sierra Leone Meteorological Agency (SLMet) seasonal forecast had projected periods of intermittent heavy rainfall in July, August and September. It urged the public to remain vigilant and follow official safety advisories.
Precautionary measures
The Agency advised residents to:
– Stay away from hillsides, steep slopes and communities with known slope-collapse risks during heavy rainfall.
– Avoid dumping refuse into drains and waterways, as blocked drainage greatly increases flooding risk.
– Keep children away from flooded areas, drainage channels, culverts and fast-flowing water.
– Monitor official weather forecasts and emergency advisories from the NDMA and SLMet.
The NDMA has activated its Situation Room to monitor incidents and coordinate emergency response. It expressed condolences to the bereaved families and those affected, called on citizens to remain calm and cooperate with responders, and thanked community volunteers assisting search-and-rescue efforts.
