Freetown, 4th August, 2026 – Heavy rains lasting nearly seven hours in the early hours of Monday unleashed devastating flash floods and slope collapses across Freetown, leaving destruction in their wake and prompting an urgent emergency response from the National Disaster Management Agency (NDMA).
Some of the hardest hit communities include: Portor- Juba, Metchem and Femi Turner Drive, among others
Portor, Juba: More than 300 houses were inundated, destroying properties and displacing hundreds of residents. Two children remain missing as search teams continue rescue efforts. Eight boreholes, the community’s main source of drinking water, have been contaminated by floodwaters, rendering them unsafe.
Metchem: A compound wall near the Kailahun Court Barray collapsed, killing three family members a five‑year‑old girl, her mother, and grandmother. Their remains have been taken to the mortuary.
44 Femi Turner Drive: Severe erosion caused a perimeter wall to collapse, sweeping away three vehicles.
In response, field officers were dispatched across the city at dawn to conduct search and rescue operations alongside partner agencies. The NDMA has activated its Situation Room to track incidents and coordinate relief efforts.
The Agency reminded citizens that the SLMet seasonal forecast had already warned of intermittent heavy rainfall through September. NDMA officials urged residents to remain vigilant and follow safety advisories.
Authorities strongly cautioned the public to: Avoid hillsides and steep slopes during heavy rains, stop dumping refuse into waterways to reduce flood risks, keep children away from flooded zones and fast‑flowing water and monitor official forecasts and NDMA advisories.
The NDMA expressed its deepest condolences to bereaved families and urged citizens to cooperate with emergency responders. It also praised community volunteers who continue to serve as frontline support in search and rescue operations.
Mohamed L. Bah, Director of Communications, NDMA, reaffirmed the Agency’s commitment to safeguarding lives and property during this period of heightened weather risk.
