By Aminata Abu Bakarr Kamara
As Sierra Leone enters the peak of the rainy season, the National Disaster Management Agency (NDMA) has intensified efforts to reduce the devastating impact of flooding by launching an extensive public awareness and sensitization campaign across several flood-prone communities in Freetown.
The campaign, which forms part of the Agency’s annual Flood Mitigation Strategy, is targeting vulnerable communities including Jui, Portee, Wellington, Shell, Up Gun, and the PZ axis. Through direct engagement with residents, traders, commuters, and community stakeholders, the NDMA aims to strengthen public awareness of disaster risks while promoting preventive measures that can help minimize the occurrence and impact of floods.
Leading the campaign is the Deputy Director of Communications, Mrs. Philomina Isatu Turay, accompanied by senior officials of the Agency. The team has been moving through communities in an open vehicle broadcasting multi-hazard early warning jingles and disaster preparedness messages, while also engaging residents in face-to-face discussions on environmental responsibility and flood prevention.
Speaking during the sensitization exercise in Jui, Mrs. Turay stressed that flood prevention requires the collective participation of every citizen.
“Flooding is not solely a government problem; it is a community challenge that requires collective action. When people dump waste into drainage channels, build on waterways, or fail to keep their surroundings clean, they significantly increase the risk of flooding. We are here to encourage everyone to become active participants in protecting their communities,” she said.
At the PZ axis, Mrs. Turay further reminded residents of the recurring human and economic losses caused by preventable flooding, urging communities to take ownership of their environment.
“Every year, families lose valuable property and livelihoods due to flooding. Many of these incidents can be prevented if we all play our part by maintaining clear drainage systems and adhering to environmental regulations. Prevention remains our most effective tool in disaster management,” she emphasized.
Reaffirming the Agency’s commitment to disaster risk reduction, the Director General of the National Disaster Management Agency, John Vandy Rogers, described the awareness campaign as a vital component of the country’s flood preparedness efforts.
“This annual awareness campaign is a critical component of our flood mitigation efforts. It allows us to engage communities directly, promote behavioural change, and strengthen public understanding of disaster risks. Our objective is to reduce the impact of flooding through prevention, preparedness, and collective responsibility,” he stated.
The Director General further noted that the campaign aligns with the Agency’s broader mandate of enhancing early warning systems, strengthening community resilience, and ensuring that disaster preparedness remains a shared national responsibility.
Over the years, flooding has remained one of Sierra Leone’s most persistent natural hazards, particularly in urban centres where poor waste disposal, blocked drainage systems, and unplanned settlements continue to exacerbate the situation during heavy rainfall.
The NDMA’s latest intervention comes at a crucial time as meteorological forecasts indicate the likelihood of increased rainfall in the coming weeks. By taking preventive messages directly to communities, the Agency hopes to encourage behavioural change that will save lives, protect property, and reduce the humanitarian consequences often associated with seasonal flooding.
Residents have welcomed the initiative, with many describing the campaign as timely and necessary. They expressed optimism that sustained public education, coupled with individual responsibility and community action, will contribute significantly to reducing the devastating effects of flooding in Freetown and other vulnerable parts of the country.
The awareness campaign is expected to continue in additional flood-prone communities nationwide as the NDMA intensifies its efforts to promote disaster preparedness, strengthen resilience, and foster a culture of prevention across Sierra Leone.
Copyright –Published in Expo Times News on Monday, 22nd June 2026 (ExpoTimes News – Expo Media Group (expomediasl.com)
