By Ishmael Dumbuya
Freetown has been experiencing persistent torrential rains since July 1 with the highest recorded incident on Saturday, July 20, causing associated impacts, including flooding in low-lying areas.
Major roads in the city were rendered impassable due to the flood waters, heavily disturbing vehicular and pedestrian movement. The city continues to experience more heavy rains that may causes flooding in additional communities and increase the number of affected people.
According to the National Disaster Management Agency, the weather forecast recorded a cumulative rainfall of 106mm on Saturday, admonishing that there is a significant risk of localized flooding in Freetown and several other locations across the country.
The National Disaster Management Agency (NDMA) has been actively monitoring conditions in flood-prone areas. Community volunteers have been mobilized to report incidents within their communities.
But the bigger question is that, what are really the causes of flooding in Freetown whenever there is a heavy downpour?
Freetown faces severe flooding due to its topography and urbanization. Over the years, residents of Freetown have shown reckless disregard for the environment with irresponsible cutting down of trees on the hills overlooking the city to make way for the construction of houses.
In addition, authorities should consider upgrade of drainage infrastructure. This will be done by enhancing the city’s drainage system by constructing new channels, widening existing ones, and installing culverts.
Due to the heavy rain coupled with already saturated ground from previous showers, meteorologists warn of an increased risk of flooding in low-lying areas and locations with inadequate drainage systems.
Consequently, residents in Freetown and other vulnerable areas are strongly advised to take necessary precautions to ensure their safety and minimize potential property damage.
The torrential rain brought with it significant damage to lives and property in Freetown. Three people died at Waterloo, a fence at National Stadium fell, living one dead, a house collapsed at Congo Town also killing one.
In response to the crisis, President Julius Maada Bio expressed his condolences and concern in a public statement.
“The continuous downpour of rain over the last few days has caused localized flooding, strong currents through open storm drains and underneath bridges, and damage to roads,” he wrote.
The issue of deforestation, in particular, is a significant menace to the country. Sierra Leone is often described as an “emerald” due to its lush greenery, which many locals rely on for their economic livelihood through farming. The excessive logging activities in the country have caused massive deforestation, reducing the trees’ capacity to absorb water and causing disastrous flooding.
Deforestation is detrimental to the environment, and the Sierra Leonean authorities must increase preventive measures to curb it.
During the most recent floods, the same problems that arose in the past continue to appear in Freetown. For instance, the poorly planned urbanization is a significant contributing factor. It is highly perplexing that the authorities consistently approve building permits on the floodplains, blocking the waterways, and obstructing the natural water drainage systems.
This lack of long-term planning and vital infrastructure has resulted in severe flooding and the displacement of people from their homes, which is entirely avoidable.
Sierra Leone must take a more proactive approach to addressing flooding problems. The government must provide long-term solutions through urban planning, including the protection of waterways, implementation of zoning laws, and environmental conservation efforts. In doing so, it will assist with a sustainable solution that will protect the country’s citizens from the catastrophic effects of flooding.
