By Aminata Abu Bakarr Kamara

As the torrential rains continue to batter Sierra Leone, one thing is abundantly clear: we are woefully unprepared to handle the devastating consequences of climate change. Over the past few months, communities across the country have been submerged in floodwaters, displacing thousands of families, destroying properties, and tragically claiming lives. From the capital Freetown to Kambia, Kaffu Bullom, and beyond, the floods have exposed systemic issues that must be addressed immediately if we are to prevent further calamities in the future.

The root cause of this crisis is not just the unusually heavy downpours but also years of neglect and poor urban planning. Freetown, for instance, has seen rapid urbanization without corresponding investments in infrastructure. Buildings have been constructed haphazardly in flood-prone areas, drainage systems are inadequate, and waste management practices remain abysmal. In some areas, even the most basic flood prevention measures, such as functional gutters and embankments, are non-existent. As a result, when the rains come, there is nowhere for the water to go but into homes, schools, and hospitals, causing widespread destruction.

However, it is not only the urban areas that are suffering. Rural communities, often overlooked in national disaster management strategies, have been equally devastated. In Kambia, for instance, flooding between Kambia 1 and Kambia 2 has turned the town into a dangerous swamp, submerging bridges and cutting off vital transportation routes. The water levels have made it nearly impossible for vehicles, bikes, and pedestrians to navigate the area, disrupting daily life and leaving residents stranded. Farmers in Lokomasama, Port Loko, and Mambolo have also faced significant losses as their crops have been washed away, exacerbating the already dire food insecurity in these regions.

The challenges in rural communities are even more daunting due to their limited infrastructure and access to emergency services. Many of these areas have inadequate roads, meaning that rescue efforts are delayed, and relief supplies take longer to arrive. Furthermore, in remote villages where traditional mud houses are common, the floodwaters have destroyed entire homes, leaving families without shelter. The flooding in Kaffu Bullom Chiefdom, where the riverbanks have overflowed, is a vivid reminder that rural Sierra Leone is not immune to the effects of this disaster.

One of the most heart-wrenching incidents occurred on July 24, 2024, when Freetown’s main hospital wards were submerged, leading to the tragic death of a patient. This should have been a wake-up call for authorities, but the rains kept coming, and so did the destruction. In recent weeks, we have seen entire buildings collapse, like the 3-storey building in Regent and the 4-storey structure in Wellington, which claimed four lives. Most recently, a 7-storey building collapsed at Shell New Road, killing eight people. These are not isolated events; they are part of a broader trend of destruction caused by our failure to take proactive measures to protect citizens.

It is time we hold our leaders accountable. While climate change may be a global issue, the local impact of poor governance, corruption, and lack of foresight is undeniable. How many more people must lose their homes, livelihoods, and lives before we start building climate-resilient infrastructure? How many more families must be displaced before we enforce building regulations and put an end to illegal constructions in high-risk areas?

At the core of this problem is the lack of political will. Too often, decisions are made based on short-term gains rather than long-term sustainability. Corruption further exacerbates the issue, with funds meant for flood prevention projects either being misused or disappearing altogether. If we are to weather future storms, we need transparent governance and effective leadership. This means not only investing in infrastructure but also educating communities urban and rural alike about the dangers of building in vulnerable areas and ensuring that disaster preparedness is part of the national conversation.

Moreover, the response to these flooding disasters has been largely reactive. While emergency services have worked tirelessly to save lives, their efforts are often hindered by inadequate resources and coordination. A comprehensive national disaster response plan must be developed and implemented, with a focus on early warning systems, efficient evacuation procedures, and post-disaster support for affected communities, including those in rural areas where access to emergency aid is already limited.

The floods should also remind us of the importance of environmental stewardship. Deforestation, especially in areas surrounding Freetown, has worsened the impact of heavy rains. Trees that once absorbed excess water have been cut down to make way for housing developments. In rural areas, where forests serve as a natural barrier against flooding, deforestation has also contributed to soil erosion, making these communities even more vulnerable. It is imperative that we prioritize reforestation efforts and protect our remaining green spaces. A healthy environment is our first line of defence against climate-induced disasters.

In conclusion, the flooding crisis in Sierra Leone is a symptom of a much larger problem – one that requires a multifaceted approach to solve. We cannot control the weather, but we can control how we prepare for and respond to it. The time for complacency has long passed. It is now up to our government, civil society, and every citizen to demand better, invest in long-term solutions, and build a future where the rains no longer spell disaster for both urban and rural Sierra Leoneans.