ActionAid is preparing an immediate humanitarian response in Sierra Leone, where more than 300 people have died in mudslides and flooding near the capital, Freetown.
ActionAid’s Humanitarian Director, Richard Miller, says:
"ActionAid is planning an immediate humanitarian response in the worst-hit areas.
"Thousands of people’s homes have been swept away and their businesses and crops destroyed. While search and rescue is still ongoing, there are currently over 1,500 people reported missing - and this number is expected to rise.
"Our local aid workers in Sierra Leone are telling us that they are especially concerned for the welfare and safety of girls and women, who are the most vulnerable at this time. Many children have been made homeless and are in immediate need of shelter and protection.
"There is a strong likelihood of the situation getting worse, as there are signs of continuing rainfall and hanging debris from the mudslide.
"The government of Sierra Leone is coordinating the aid effort. We are working closely with them and other aid agencies to reach people in need as quickly and effectively as possible."
Notes to Editors:
Currently, the flooding and mudslide-affected settlements in Regent are – Mount Sugar Loaf-Motomeh, New England, Kanigo-Sheriff Town, Kulvert – Kissy, Juba, Dwarzak, Water street- Wellington, Kamayama, Pentagon, Mountain Cut, Alpha Wurie Drive, Congo Town Bridge, Susan’s Bay, Charles Street, Campbell Street, Samba Gutter, Kroo Bay, Pike Street Bridge, Bai Bureh Road, Calaba Town in the Western Area of Freetown.
The destruction is especially high in the following areas:
You can learn about ActionAid’s existing work in Sierra Leone here: https://www.actionaid.org.uk/about-us/where-we-work/sierra-leone
For comment or information about our planned response to the mudslides, or our existing work in the affected areas, please contact our media team in London, UK:
Melanie Stern - +44 (0) 203 122 0589 / melanie.stern@actionaid.org
Charlotte Clarke - +44 (0) 203 122 0815 / charlotte.clarke@actionaid.org
Out of hours – +44 (0)7753 973486
Twitter: @ActionAidUK