By alimamy.jalloh@awokonewspaper.sl
Freetown, SIERRA LEONE – In the early hours of Saturday morning, Kissy, located east of Freetown, was hit by severe flash floods that damaged homes, destroyed property, and left more than 15 people homeless along the Kissy Brook drainage.
According to residents and rescue workers at the scene, the flooding was primarily caused by the collapse of a large section of garbage from the Bomeh dumpsite. Idrissa Lahai, a local rescuer, explained that the collapse resulted in debris entering the drainage system, causing significant blockage in the culvert. This obstruction impeded the flow of water, exacerbating the flooding in the Kissy Brook area and preventing the efficient drainage of runoff from the surrounding hills.
Lahai also pointed out that the problem was compounded by residents who had built structures along the main drainage of the Kissy Brook community, further narrowing the water passage and intensifying flooding during the rainy season.
To address the situation, rescue efforts began at 5 a.m. on Saturday. Lahai and other community volunteers worked to clear the debris from the culvert to restore proper water flow. Fortunately, there were no reports of missing persons or fatalities; however, the floodwaters, which reached a height of 15 meters, caused significant damage to properties.
Mohamed Bangura, a 42-year-old landlord whose property is situated near the main culvert, described the devastation caused by the flood. His home, located opposite the Bomeh dumpsite, was severely affected when the drainage was blocked by the collapsed garbage. Bangura recounted that at around 2 a.m. on Saturday, the blockage caused a surge of water from the Moeiba hills to flood his residence, which houses 15 people. He and his family are currently seeking refuge at the Basharia Mosque.
Bangura reported that his property, which he purchased for SLE 20 million in 2018, suffered extensive damage. In addition to the flood damage, thieves stole four metal windows and four doors, valued at SLE 20 million, from his property during the chaos. The total cost of his home and its contents amounted to SLE 60 million.
The flooding also impacted other areas in Freetown. On the same day, a mud and cement house in the Grassfield slum community collapsed due to heavy rains and strong winds, causing further damage to nearby structures.
Residents and victims of the flood reported that officials from the Freetown City Council and government stakeholders visited the disaster area in the morning to assess the situation and offer support. AJ/5/8/2024
