By: Kadijatu Bangura, Reporter D.S
In a heartbreaking incident late Friday night, an entire family lost their lives when a fence collapsed on their shack during a heavy downpour in Gbendembu, Goderich, situated in Sierra Leone’s Western Rural District.
According to the National Disaster Management Agency (NDMA), the tragedy occurred around 11:45 p.m. amid intense rainfall. The NDMA confirmed that the victims have been identified as 45-year-old Salia Sawaneh, his 30-year-old wife Fatmata, and their one-year-old daughter. Their remains were recovered by police and local authorities on Sunday morning.
Two individuals, identified as Haja and Maseray, survived the incident and are currently receiving treatment at the Emergency Hospital in Goderich.
The NDMA has initiated an investigation into the cause of the collapse, with a technical team currently collecting data from the scene. This tragic event highlights the dangers faced during Sierra Leone’s peak rainy season, which typically lasts from May to October, with July and August experiencing the heaviest rainfall. The season often brings flooding, landslides, and structural collapses, particularly affecting vulnerable communities located on hilly or poorly drained terrains.
Authorities continue to urge residents to remain vigilant, especially in high-risk areas, as the country confronts the increasingly severe impacts of the rainy season.
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