7days of mourning declared for over 400 mudslide victims in Sierra Leone

In reaction to the recent mudslide in Sierra Leone that claimed hundreds of lives, president Ernest Bai Koroma has decided to declare seven days of mourning in honor of the victims of the heart breaking mudslide in the country’s capital. However, reports confirmed that about 600 people are still missing in the capital.

Few days ago, health officials at Sierra Leone’s Connaught Hospital confirmed that over 400 corpses had been collected from the accident and that the search for the dead and the survival still continues. However, Sinneh Kamara, assistant officer at the hospital’s mortuary, explained to reporters the situation of things:

“As of now, we have collected over 400 corpses. Our facility has been overstretched and more corpses are being brought in. Throughout my entire career, I have never witnessed a grave situation like this.”

In reference to the press release of Sierra Leone’s government, the national mourning period will take place from August 16-22 to honor the victims of a mudslide that occured on Monday in Freetown following heavy rains and flooding. Flags will also be flown at half-mast.

In addition, the government said that the citizens have also been asked to identify their relatives at the mortuary ahead of a mass burial. Unidentified corpses will also be given a dignified burial. Also, Alpha Conde, president of Guinea and head of the African Union, arrived in Freetown late Tuesday to offer his sympathies to the government and people. He stated that it was a devastating incident and pray such never happens again.

In order to make living easy in the affected area, Israel has been reported to have delivered enough food aid for 10,000 meals to Sierra Leone. This was made known by its Foreign Ministry. The country was also the first to respond to the government’s call for any form of assistant.

Israel’s Ambassador to West Africa, Paul Hirshson said:
“We will work with the Sierra Leone government to provide more medical aid in the coming weeks.”

In a statement conveyed to the government, the Commonwealth and the African Union also offered condolences to the people of Sierra Leone and promised to support the country. Numerous supports from non governmental organisations have been rendered to make sure that the disaster doesn’t get up to the hill.

The government of Sierra Leone is trying really hard to curb the situation of the incident and at the same time leaving consolation rooms for the victims relatives. People from within and outside the country extend their condolences to the victims as the government still awaits more supports.