UNITED NATIONS, United States: The United Nations said Tuesday it is evaluating humanitarian needs in Sierra Leone following deadly flooding and mudslides that devastated entire communities.
The floods on Monday ravaged the country’s capital, killing more than 300 people and leaving hundreds more missing.
“Contingency plans are being put in place to mitigate any potential outbreak of waterborne diseases such as cholera, typhoid and diarrhea, said UN spokesman Stephane Dujarric.
He said the UN country team in Sierra Leone has mobilized and is “supporting national authorities in rescue operations, helping evacuate residents, providing medical assistance to the injured, registering survivors, and providing food rations, water and dignity kits to those affected.”
He noted that the International Organization for Migration released $150,000 in emergency funds immediately following the flooding.
Earlier in the day President Ernest Bai Koroma of Sierra Leone issued a desperate appeal for help, saying the damage was “overwhelming us.” --AFP