Sierra Leone: Disruptions due to severe weather ongoing in parts of northern and western provinces as of May 11

Event

Disruptions following severe weather are ongoing across parts of northern and western provinces in Sierra Leone as of May 11. Heavy rainfall and thunderstorms in recent days have caused flooding and damage to buildings in parts of the affected areas. Stormy weather struck the capital Freetown and surrounding areas May 9-10. Heavy downpours triggered flash flooding in several communities, leading to transport disruptions and damaging buildings. The National Disaster Management Agency (NDMA) reported at least six fatalities and two injuries occurred when a wall collapsed due to flooding in the Cline Town area May 10 and one other fatality occurred as a house collapsed during a landslide near the Peninsular Road. Flood damage also occurred at the Leone Oil Facility in Kissy.

Severe weather also caused damage and casualties in Koinadugu District in Northern Province May 6. Storms caused a tree to collapse onto homes in the village of Dalakuru, resulting in six fatalities and 13 others injured. Strong winds damaged several other homes in the region.

Further isolated storms and showers are forecast in Freetown and other parts of the country over the coming days. Heavy downpours could cause additional flooding and landslides, especially in areas where the ground is already saturated by previous rainfall, as well as hamper ongoing response and recovery operations.

Hazardous Conditions
Further sustained heavy rainfall could trigger additional landslides and flooding in low-lying communities near rivers, streams, and creeks. Urban flooding is also possible in developed areas with easily overwhelmed stormwater drainage systems. Sites located downstream from large reservoirs or rivers may be subject to flash flooding after relatively short periods of intense rainfall. Landslides are possible in hilly or mountainous areas, especially where heavy rain has saturated the soil.

Authorities could issue mandatory evacuation orders for flood-prone communities over the coming days. Disruptions to electricity and telecommunications services are possible where significant flooding or landslides impact utility networks.

Transport
Floodwaters and debris flows may render some bridges, rail networks, or roadways impassable, impacting overland travel in and around affected areas. Ponding on road surfaces could cause hazardous driving conditions on regional highways. Authorities could temporarily close some low-lying routes that become inundated by floodwaters. Flooding could block regional rail lines; freight and passenger train delays and cancellations are likely in areas with heavy rainfall and potential track inundation. Severe weather could also trigger flight delays and cancellations at airports in the region.

Localized business disruptions may occur in low-lying areas; some businesses might not operate at full capacity because of flood damage to facilities, possible evacuations, and some employees' inability to reach work sites.

Advice

Monitor local media for weather updates and related advisories. Confirm all transport reservations and business appointments before travel. Make allowances for localized travel delays and potential supply chain disruptions where flooding has been forecast. Do not drive on flooded roads. Charge battery-powered devices in the case of prolonged electricity outages.