By Sallieu S. Kanu
Freetown, 24 July 2025 — The National Disaster Management Agency (NDMA) has confirmed a devastating incident that occurred on Wednesday evening in the New England Ville community, following torrential rains that lashed the capital.
Around 6:00 PM on 23rd July, a section of a compound fence at 54 Off Pratt Street collapsed under the force of floodwaters and mud from adjacent hillsides. The structure fell directly onto a makeshift pan-body residence beneath it, tragically affecting a family of six.
Casualties and Rescue Efforts
NDMA, upon receiving alerts via social media and the emergency 117 hotline at 6:20 PM, quickly deployed its Rapid Response Team including senior officials. They worked alongside the Sierra Leone Police (SLP), Republic of Sierra Leone Armed Forces (RSLAF), and local volunteers in a coordinated search and rescue operation.
Three family members were swept away and later confirmed dead: Aminata Sesay, 6, found at the scene and transported to 34 Military Hospital; Sailor Sesay, adult female and mother-in-law to the homeowner, and Aliue Sesay, a 2-year-old boy.
Their bodies were recovered downstream at Morjabie and Mordenah community watersides. A fourth victim, Ramatu Turay, aged 1, remains missing.
Rescue teams continued night searches through storm drains near the Special Court compound, aided by police stationed in the vicinity. Efforts are set to resume with full inter-agency support.
The structure is said to belong to Mr. Alie Turay, a prison officer and local boxer.
NDMA Safety Advisory During Rainy Season
In response to the tragedy, NDMA urges residents to take the following precautions:
– Refrain from building or staying in makeshift homes in flood-prone zones
– Keep children indoors during heavy rains
– Avoid driving through waterlogged roads
– Report unusual soil movement or cracks near slopes
– Maintain clear drainage systems free of plastics and debris
– Regularly inspect fences and reinforce vulnerable structures
For emergency response or to aid ongoing rescue efforts, contact NDMA’s toll-free number 1199 on any mobile network.