In a tragic incident, a four-story building in Freetown, Sierra Leone’s bustling capital, collapsed on Monday, raising fears that multiple people may be trapped beneath the debris. The National Disaster Management Agency (NDMA) confirmed the collapse, which occurred amid persistent heavy rainfall that has been pounding the region for weeks.
Mohamed Bah, the NDMA’s director of communications, revealed that emergency response teams were immediately dispatched to the scene. “Our teams are working tirelessly to rescue those who might be trapped under the rubble,” Bah told Xinhua news agency during a phone interview.
Early findings suggest that poor construction practices may have contributed to the building’s failure. Authorities are now investigating whether the structure met safety standards and if recent weather conditions exacerbated its instability.
The collapse has further highlighted the challenges posed by the ongoing heavy rains in the region. Continuous downpours have led to widespread flooding, severely affecting infrastructure, including roads and bridges, and complicating rescue efforts. The disaster underscores the urgent need for stricter building regulations and better preparedness in the face of increasingly erratic weather patterns.
As search and rescue operations continue, the NDMA and other relevant authorities are urging the public to avoid the area and stay informed through official channels for updates on the situation.
