600 still missing after Sierra Leone mudslides

The death toll from massive mudslides in Sierra Leone’s capital was certain to rise yesterday as bodies washed up on a beach and workers searched for an untold number of people buried in their homes. The Red Cross estimated that 600 people were still missing.

Authorities have said more than 300 people were killed in and around Freetown on Monday following heavy rains. Many were trapped under tons of mud as they slept.

The Connaught Hospital mortuary in central Freetown was overwhelmed with bodies, many spread on the floor.