AYV News, July 25, 2025
The National Disaster Management Agency (NDMA) in Sierra Leone has issued a strong warning to parents and guardians to keep children indoors during heavy rainfall and away from open drains, culverts, or floodwaters.
The warning came after the Agency’s confirmation of a tragic incident that occurred on the evening of Tuesday, 23rd July 2025, at 54 Off Pratt Street, New England Ville, Freetown, leaving 3 people dead and one still missing.
At approximately 6:00 PM, following a heavy downpour, a section of the compound fence collapsed due to the massive flow of floodwater and mud cascading from the surrounding hilltops. The collapsed fence landed on a makeshift (pan body) structure situated directly beneath it, which was home to a family of six.
The NDMA received initial reports via social media and the 117 call centre at around 6:20 PM and swiftly dispatched a Rapid Response Team to the scene, comprising the Director General, the Director of Disaster Relief and Response, and other field staff. The team conducted an immediate on-site assessment and activated search and rescue efforts in collaboration with the Sierra Leone Police (SLP), the Republic of Sierra Leone Armed Forces (RSLAF) and community members/volunteers.
Preliminary findings have confirmed that four members of the household were affected, and three of them were swept away by the force of the floodwaters. The structure is reportedly owned by Alie Turay (Bolo), a Prison Officer and Boxer.
The victims include Aminata Sesay, a 6-year-old girl, who was found deceased at the scene and was taken to the 34 Military Hospital mortuary; Sailor Sesay, an adult female and mother-in-law to Mr. Turay; and Aliue Sesay, a 2-year-old boy. Unfortunately, their bodies were discovered late last night through this morning at the Morjabie and Mordenah Community watersides downstream. Meanwhile, Ramatu Turay, aged 1, remains missing as of this morning.
Rescue efforts continued last night in various stormwater drains downstream, including the area in and around the Special Court compound, where one of the major drainage channels passes through. Security personnel from the New England Ville Police Post and stationed officers at the Special Court supported the night patrol to aid in the recovery of the missing persons.
Search operations are expected to continue this morning, Wednesday, 24th July, with full inter-agency collaboration.
In light of this unfortunate incident, the NDMA wishes to remind the public of the following safety measures during the ongoing rainy season:
▶️ Avoid building or residing in makeshift structures near flood-prone areas, hillsides, or under weakened fences and retaining walls.
▶️ Parents and guardians are strongly advised to keep children indoors during heavy rainfall and away from open drains, culverts, or floodwaters.
▶️ Motorists should avoid driving through flooded roads or waterlogged areas or where drainage systems are overwhelmed.
▶️ Communities located near slopes are encouraged to report any signs of soil movement, cracks in walls, or shifting terrain to the NDMA.
▶️ Drainages should be kept clean and free from plastic waste, debris, and other obstructions that may worsen flooding.
▶️ Residents are urged to regularly inspect and reinforce fences and other structural deficiencies, especially those exposed to slope collapse.
For any disaster-related emergency or to provide credible information that may aid the ongoing search and rescue operation, members of the public are encouraged to call the NDMA toll-free line 1199, available on all mobile networks.
