By Hassan Osman Kargbo
The National Disaster Management Agency (NDMA), in collaboration with the Sierra Leone Meteorological Agency (SLMet), has issued a public advisory warning of heavy rainfall across the country.
The alert follows a recent regional flooding outlook jointly released by the African Centre of Meteorological Applications for Development (ACMAD) and the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA). According to the forecast, Sierra Leone is expected to receive between 100mm and 150mm of rainfall within the five-day period.
This projection aligns with SLMet’s national weather outlook for the same timeframe, predicting intense rains in several parts of the country. The agencies have warned that the volume of rain expected could increase the risk of flooding, particularly in low-lying and flood-prone communities.
Sierra Leone is among several West and Central African nations forecast to experience significant rainfall during the period. Others include Guinea, Liberia, Nigeria, Senegal, Mali, and Cameroon. Regional meteorological experts say the heavy rains are part of the ongoing peak of the wet season, which often brings increased flood risks to the sub-region.
The NDMA has urged the public to take the warning seriously and adopt preventive measures to safeguard lives and property. In their joint statement, NDMA and SLMet outlined key safety steps for communities and individuals during the expected downpours.
Residents are advised to closely follow weather alerts and advisories issued by SLMet and NDMA through radio, television, and official social media platforms. Those living in high-risk areas, such as coastal settlements, riverbanks, and swampy lowlands, are strongly encouraged to relocate temporarily to safer or higher ground before the heaviest rains arrive.
The advisory also stresses the importance of ensuring that gutters, drains, and waterways remain clear of debris to improve water flow and reduce the chances of waterlogging. Communities are urged to conduct quick clean-up exercises to decongest drainage channels and avoid blockages that can worsen flooding.
The NDMA has also cautioned against the dangerous practice of attempting to walk, ride, or drive through floodwaters. Moving water can be deceptively strong, and even shallow floods can sweep away vehicles or cause people to lose their footing.
In the event of an emergency, the public is reminded to contact the NDMA through its toll-free line, 119, which is available on all networks. The agency has assured citizens that its emergency response teams are on standby to provide assistance where needed.
SLMet will continue to monitor rainfall patterns and issue updates as conditions develop. The agencies stressed that early action and public cooperation are critical to preventing loss of life and reducing damage to homes, businesses, and farmlands.
Flooding remains one of Sierra Leone’s most frequent natural disasters, with the rainy season often bringing heightened risks of displacement, destruction, and outbreaks of waterborne diseases. The NDMA has reaffirmed its commitment to working with partners, local authorities, and community groups to improve disaster preparedness and response.
The joint advisory ends with a strong appeal for vigilance: “We urge all citizens to remain alert and take all necessary precautions. Protecting lives, properties, and livelihoods is a shared responsibility.”
