At least 300 in Sierra Leone killed by mudslides, flooding

FREETOWN, Sierra Leone — Mudslides and torrential flooding killed at least 300 people in and around Sierra Leone’s capital early Monday following heavy rains, with many victims trapped in homes buried under tons of mud.

Survivors and volunteers dug through the mud and debris at times with their bare hands in a desperate search for missing relatives, and military personnel were deployed to help with the rescue operation in the West African nation.

Sierra Leone’s national broadcaster announced late Monday that the death toll had risen above 300. Initial Red Cross estimates said as many as 3,000 people were left homeless by the disaster, and that figure was expected to rise. Communications and electricity also were affected.

The mortuary at Connaught Hospital was overwhelmed by the number of dead, and bodies had to be spread out on the floor, officials said.

The president’s office released a statement encouraging people to relocate to safer parts of Freetown and sign up at registration centers.

“The government is fully seized of the situation and in collaboration with our development partners is undertaking a coordinated response to provide emergency services to our affected compatriots,” it said.

Many of the impoverished areas of Sierra Leone’s capital are close to sea level and have poor drainage systems, exacerbating flooding during the rainy season.

Freetown also is plagued by unregulated building of large residential houses in hilltop areas.

Deforestation for firewood and charcoal is one of the leading factors of worsening flooding and mudslides. Freetown’s drainage channels also are often clogged because of garbage dumping due to insufficient sanitation services.

SAIDU BAH/GETTY-AFP Residents watch raging floodwaters in Freetown, Sierra Leone, on Monday.