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DEC statement on Sierra Leone emergency

Pays
Sierra Leone
Sources
DEC
Date de publication
Origine
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A national emergency was declared in Sierra Leone after heavy flooding caused devastating mud slides on the edge of the city’s capital Freetown on Monday morning [14 August]. Hundreds are feared dead, thousands are still missing and many more have been left homeless and in urgent need of food, shelter and protection.

Saleh Saeed, CEO of the Disasters Emergency Committee (DEC) said: “It is deeply upsetting to hear how this disaster has wiped out communities and left thousands of people with nothing. The DEC is monitoring the situation closely, however, it is unlikely at this stage that we will launch a public appeal.

“Many of our member charities are on the ground in Sierra Leone working with the government and other humanitarian agencies to respond to the most urgent needs and plan how best to support the most vulnerable men, women and children in the coming days and weeks.

“Already our member charities have been providing First Aid and organising search, rescue and evacuation operations. Plans now include supplying food, clothes and bedding, supporting access to clean drinking water and sanitation and doing vital health promotion to reduce the risk of the spread of water borne diseases.”

The following DEC member charities are responding to the disaster in Sierra Leone:

  • ActionAid
  • Red Cross
  • Oxfam
  • World Vision
  • Christian Aid
  • Care International