ReliefWeb

A. Situation analysis

Description of the disaster

A deadly torrential rain caused mudslides on 14 August in Sierra Leone, resulted in heavy destruction and numerous fatalities in hillside towns of Freetown. The most severe mudslides occurred in the eastern part of Racecourse, in the outskirts of Regent and Lumley area of the Sierra Leone capital. Further rain is expected in coming days and more areas are likely to be affected.

According to the Sierra Leon Red Cross, at least 300 people have been killed, many trapped by rubble and collapsed structures. As of this afternoon, 179 bodies, many of them children, have been removed and at least 600 people are still missing. The morgues are overflowing with dead bodies and local authorities keeping them in various community facilities, using local chemicals to prevent decay. The number of casualties is likely to rise as search and rescue operations continue.