Relatives and neighbours of survivors from the affected areas of Kaningo, one of the badly flooded communities in Sierra Leone are actively involved in mass burials for some 400 bodies recovered so far.
As fears grow that contaminated water and waterlogging may lead to potentially deadly diseases like cholera and diarrhoea. International children’s charity, World Vision is providing emergency and hygiene kits to survivors of Monday’s mudslide on the outskirts of Freetown, Sierra Leone.
World Vision staffs have earmarked over four million water purification tablets for the thousands of families affected by the disaster. The charity’s emergency kits containing soaps, towels and blankets and more; will also support survivors of the disaster immediately.
James Chifwelu, the World Vision Sierra Leone national director, said: “We are racing against time to help the affected communities survive and cope with their losses. We are also aware the rains are continuing to fall, giving rise to more flooding and the risk of disease.
“The Sierra Leone government and NGOs have mapped out a coordinated plan that will see some aid agencies providing safe drinking water to the affected. World Vision will provide water purification tablets, jerry cans and information about good hygienic practice in these circumstances. We are also offering hospitals – that are crowded with the injured and unwell – with hygiene equipment including bandages, hand gloves, gauze, and all-purpose sponges,” Chifwelu explained.
World Vision is planning for a long-term response amidst concerns that continued heavy rains, overcrowding and inadequate water and sanitation systems will leave people extremely vulnerable to outbreaks of cholera and other diseases.
Chifwelu said: “The rainy season will continue until September at least. We will be looking to cater for long-term eventualities that may happen in the capital (Freetown) and in other parts of the country that may be even more remote.”
More than 400 people have been killed while more than 600 are still missing after torrential rains on the outskirts of Sierra Leone’s capital Freetown. A further 3,000 people have lost their homes.
Meanwhile, Sierra Leone’s President Ernest Bai Koroma has declared a seven-day state mourning in honour of the victims of the disaster. Mr Koroma has also appealed for international help as rescue workers continue to search for survivors.
Britain is working with Sierra Leone to coordinate rescue efforts for victims of “devastating” mudslides and torrential flooding that have killed more than 300 people in and around the capital Freetown.
International Development Secretary Priti Patel said the UK also stands ready to provide further assistance, with many victims trapped in homes buried under tons of mud.
Ms Patel said: I am deeply saddened by the devastating landslides and flooding in Freetown, Sierra Leone which have claimed innocent lives.
My thoughts are with all those affected at this tragic time.
From stopping the Ebola outbreak in its tracks to helping the country rebuild after this deadly disease, the UK continues to stand by the people of Sierra Leone.
We have pre-positioned vital aid supplies and helped prepare the country’s response to disasters.
We are already working with the government of Sierra Leone to coordinate the rescue efforts and are ready to provide further assistance to those in need.
Following international outcry for help, Ms Iyamide Thomas, NHS Engagement Lead Sickle Cell Society told African Voice that the Sierra Leone community in the UK are not leaving assistance to foreign charities. Among the many initiatives are: ‘Service of Prayer – for those who suffer’ on Tuesday, 22 August 2017, 7pm at All Saints Church, 105 New Cross Rd, London SE14 5DJ
A meeting organised by the Sierra Leone High Commission on Saturday 19 August 2017 at 3pm at Walworth Methodist Church, 54 Camberwell Rd, SE5 0EW to discuss and decide what could be done. A book of condolence opened at the Sierra Leone High Commission at 41 Eagle St, London WC1R 4AT until 24 August.
Universal Shipping and Trading Company is offering 5x 38 boxes free shipping to Freetown from members of our community.
If interested, please call 07535791180 or 0207 237 0133.
Various Sierra Leonean Diaspora led charities are sending money / goods including the Krio Descendants Union Global Organisation.
Community Empowerment Support Organisation (CESO) which operates in one of the areas devastated by the flood is fundraising for the survivors and using their school as shelter and providing limited food and drinking water; CESO said, “we need other items such as blankets, clothing, toiletries, plastic bowls/cups/plates/spoons.
“Two of the foot bridges in the area collapsed and we need help in contributing towards repairing them”.
The fundraising page is: https://www.justgiving.com/campaigns/charity/ceso/floods
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