As the country gradually moves toward the end of the fight against Ebola, Freetown, the capital of Sierra Leone, has been hit again by another disaster. In mid-September massive floods caused by torrential rains hit Freetown and caused serious damage particularly to people living within the slum areas.

The floods have left at least four people dead and more than 3,000 displaced in Freetown. The displaced people were relocated to the Siaka Stevens Stadium (in the west) and the Brima Artuga Mini Stadium (in the east).

As the government and its partners focus on flood response geared towards providing shelter, food, clothing, and medication for victims, stringent efforts are being made to intensify surveillance and Infection Prevention and Control (IPC) measures to avoid the occurrence of Ebola and/or cholera, not only at the stadiums but also at the community level.

A number of water points and sanitation facilities were damaged as a result of contamination due to the flooding. Action Against Hunger, as part of the Freetown WASH (Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene) Consortium, is responding to the emergency in three of the affected city sections by distributing hygiene kits, promoting hygiene practices, and working on water supply, particularly on bucket chlorination and emergency water kiosks in those communities where the water points have been contaminated.

This flood has exposed the poor preparedness and response system in the country at both national and local levels. However, the Office of National Security (ONS), with strong backing from the office of the President, has taken a nationwide lead in coordinating with ministries and agencies to address issues around the flood, i.e. a cholera outbreak, and preventing subsequent ones. Action Against Hunger will continue to work with our partners to address these issues.