Over 1,500 still missing in Sierra Leone's flood-hit capital as morgue overwhelmed

 

 

A charity says more than 1,500 people are still missing in Sierra Leone's capital and the death toll from mudslides and flooding will continue to rise.

People have been gathering at a morgue containing 270 bodies in Freetown, desperate for news of loved ones.
Authorities say at least 300 are feared to have died in a massive mudslide on the outskirts of the city.
Rescue operations continued on Tuesday, a day after victims were trapped under tons of mud as a hillside collapsed.
The British government has said it was ready to help.

Image: People wait outside the central morgue and hospital in Freetown for news of loved ones

A mass burial was expected to take place on Tuesday to free up more space in the overwhelmed central mortuary.
President Ernest Bai Koroma asked residents of Regent and other flooded areas in Freetown to leave their homes so military personnel and other rescue workers could search for survivors.
Up to 3,000 people are said to have been left without shelter after floodwaters smashed through their homes amid heavy rain.

Image: Many were taken to hospital in the aftermath of floods and landslips that ripped through Freetown

Aid agencies said there were immediate concerns for thousands of people in the capital, who may not have access to water that is safe to drink.
ActionAid's Humanitarian Director, Richard Miller, said: "While search and rescue is still ongoing, there are currently over 1,500 people reported missing - and this number is expected to rise.
"Our local aid workers in Sierra Leone are telling us that they are especially concerned for the welfare and safety of girls and women, who are the most vulnerable at this time.

Image: Entire houses were buried under tons of mud

"We are working closely with them and other aid agencies to reach people in need as quickly and effectively as possible."
The UK Government, which has an ongoing presence in Sierra Leone through the Department for International Development, said it has been investing in helping Sierra Leone prepare for disasters and responding to emergencies since the end of the Ebola crisis.
Sky News understands representatives from the UK are meeting officials in Sierra Leone to find out what help, if any, the Government of Sierra Leone requires.