Heavy rain in Sierra Leone mudslide: Death toll nears 500 people and 810 missing

The death toll from the flood and mudslide disaster that struck Sierra Leone's capital in mid-August now exceeds 500 with 810 people listed as missing, the government said on Thursday.

"The death toll has risen slightly above 500," Vice President Victor Bockarie Foh said at a ceremony to receive relief supplies provided by Japan.

Government spokesperson Abdulai Bayratay said 810 people were listed as missing, a figure that concurs with estimates by NGOs in the past few days.

The city of Freetown was struck by devastating floods and a mudslide on the night of August 13, 2017.

Drivers have been warned to avoid the following areas: PWD by Campbell Street, Pademba Road by Dundas Street, West Street by Samba Gutter, Kroo Bay, Charles Street, Wilkinson Road, Wallace Johnson Bridge between Juba and Lumley, and Brookfields by railway Line – where the flood water has covered the bridge and many properties threatened to be submerged.

There are unconfirmed reports also of flooding in some parts of the capital – Crab Town by Ascension Town and Kroo Town Road.

Reporter Umaru Fofana is also reporting on Social media that many residents living in the slum area of Kroo Bay have called him to say that “heavy downpour has inundated their entire community, with families having to climb on rooftops. The rains are not letting up.”

Other reports are calling for the evacuation of some communities. It is believed that residents of 63 & 65 Dundas Street have climbed their rooftops shouting for help.

The people of Freetown are still trying to come to terms with the massive destruction and loss of hundreds of lives, which took place on the slopes of the Sugar Loaf Mountain and surrounding communities two weeks ago – 14th of August 2017. Over 500 were confirmed dead and hundreds more unaccounted for, with 600 homeless.