Last week, flash floods killed over 490 people in Freetown with a high number of people still missing and affected number of people rising to 6000. Considering the critical sanitary conditions, public health situation of those affected is highly endangered. Action Against Hunger delivers safe drinking water and intervenes to prevent spreading of diseases amongst the affected communities.
“The most urgent and immediate needs are safe drinking water, access to sanitation facilities, shelter, medication, blankets and psychological support. Disease outbreaks, especially cholera, is a big threat that will require joint efforts from all of us to be minimized.” – Abdelgadir Ahmed, Country Director Sierra Leone
Following the needs assessments coordinated by the government, Action Against Hunger and its partners quickly mobilized resources and started implementing emergency response.
In terms of damage to WASH facilities, the flash floods swept away sanitary amenities, contaminated water wells cutting out access to clean water and sanitation. To respond to the immediate WASH needs and deliver safe drinking water, 8 water tanks of 5000 liters are being installed in the affected communities. These tanks will be filled twice a day to respond to the needs of affected families in collaboration with GUMA water company.
“We have this one well serving the entire community. We relied on it for drinking, preparing food and completing other household chores. The well is now contaminated with flood water and because of that, most of us have been afraid to drink the water from it. Some of us buy water to drink, but I fear for those who cannot afford it. They are still drinking this contaminated water and risking their health.” – Hassan, Resident of Culvert Community.
In parallel, and as part of DFID funds, 200 households received hygiene kits including: water buckets, aquatabs, bathing soap, powdered laundry soap, bowls, sanitary pads, bleach and jerry cans. 74 households also received bottled water while the water kiosks are being installed.
These distributions are supported by hygiene promotion to create awareness of acute watery diseases and prevention of these diseases. In emergency contexts, diarrhea account for 40% of children deaths. Simple process as hand washing can reduce these risks.