To date, a large number of people are still reported missing and an estimated 6,000 altogether have been affected by the destruction.
Following a needs assessments coordinated by the government of Sierra Leone, Action Against Hunger and key partners[1] quickly mobilized resources and launched a response to the emergency.
“The most urgent and immediate needs of people affected by these massive floods are safe drinking water, access to sanitation facilities, shelter, medication, blankets and psychological support.
Disease outbreaks, especially cholera, are a big threat that will require joint efforts from all of us to protect the health of those at risk,” said Action Against Hunger Country Director for Sierra Leone, Abdelgadir Ahmed.
To respond to people’s most urgent needs for daily supplies of safe drinking water, the government and Action Against Hunger’s partners are installing eight water tanks of 5,000 liters in the affected communities.
In parallel, Action Against Hunger has already delivered emergency hygiene kits to 200 families to improve sanitation and health.
Action Against Hunger also delivered supplies of bottled water to 74 families to meet their urgent daily needs while the water kiosks are being installed.
Action Against Hunger is also conducting hygiene promotion sessions with families affected by the floods to prevent outbreaks of waterborne diseases such as cholera.
Ensuring that communities at risk have access to safe water, soap, and information about the importance of handwashing to prevent disease can help reduce the risk of outbreaks and illness enormously.
[1] Action Against Hunger is a partner of the Sierra Leone WASH Consortium, which is comprised of four humanitarian organizations with expertise in water, sanitation, and hygiene interventions.