2 killed in Sierra Leone following torrential rains

FREETOWN, Sierra Leone  

Two people were killed Friday and several hundred left homeless after torrential rains hit Sierra Leone’s capital.

The victims are from Kroo Bay, a notorious slum where several people perished in last year’s rainy season, according to officials at Freetown’s main hospital.

Local television stations aired footages of areas affected by the floods where people were trapped.

The office of National Security called a disaster coordinating meeting Friday to determine the level of disaster, response and issued public alerts.

Freetown Mayor Yvonne Aki Sawyerr told national broadcaster SLBC the City Council is trying to assess the level of damage and that properties worth millions have also been lost. She called on residents to practice safer practices.

“Avoid throwing rubbish in the gutters. Stop putting up structures by water ways and always follow safety guidelines to minimize the risk of flooding” she said.

Other parts of the city were also flooded in Kissy, Wellington and Calaba.

At the Wellington market, an 8-year-old boy was rescued by local youths and was rushed to the hospital.

Meanwhile, in Kailahun in the east of the country, more that 700 people were rendered homeless in recent days.

Authorities issued a warning that more rains are expected in coming weeks.

Flash floods in Freetown claimed the lives of over 800 people and displaced millions in August 2017 in what is known to be the worst floods in the capital.