On August 14, exactly one month ago, a mudslide demolished parts of Freetown, Sierra Leone. It is estimated that about 800 people were killed and at least 7,000 are now displaced.
On August 14, exactly one month ago, a mudslide demolished parts of Freetown, Sierra Leone. It is estimated that about 800 people were killed and at least 7,000 are now displaced.
The mudslide occurred after weeks of heavy rain caused the top of Sugar Loaf Mountain to collapse and engulf the communities below it.
The water from the rain pushed mud and heavy boulders down two areas called Kamayama and Kaningo, sweeping away homes, stores, cars, and whatever and whoever stood in its way.
For the past month, temporary refuges are the only solace for thousands of displaced families. While some people are staying with friends or relatives, others are left to fend for themselves, some sleep on the floors of school classrooms, churches, or anywhere that they can lay their head.
More than 200 families are said to be staying in damp, half-built houses opposite from where the mudslide occurred.
The Sierra Leonian government has recently set up two official camps, in Juba and Hill Station, which is supported by UN agencies and non-governmental organizations.
Those that have been verified as victims, and have nowhere else to stay, are gradually being moved there.
Meanwhile, low-cost houses are being built in Six Mile, which is a far suburb of Freetown. People affected by the natural disaster are expected to move to these houses within the next three to six months.
Though aid and thousands of donations have surged into the country, helping those in need, some people say that they've been left out and are still lacking basic needs such as food, medicine, and adequate lodging.
