Freetown, 27 August 2017 – 11 tons of much-needed core relief for affected communities arrived in Sierra Leone yesterday, as part of the UN Refugees Agency’s response to the landslides and flooding that claimed several hundred lives on 14 August.

According to the government, 6,000 people have been directly affected by the disaster, with many losing their homes.

“UNHCR has pledged to assist up to 3,000 affected people with non-food items, as part of the coordinated humanitarian response to this crisis,” said Liz Ahua, UNHCR Regional Representative for West Africa. “This delivery of core relief items complements the response of the government and the international community, and we were able to contribute quickly by reallocating supplies from our operations in Ghana,” she added.

The 11 tonnes of core relief items consist of 2,600 sleeping mattresses and blankets as well as 600 cooking sets. In coordination with the National Commission for Social Action (NaCSA), UNHCR’s partner in Sierra Leone, these items will be distributed to the most vulnerable families and individuals who have lost all their belongings in the mudslides and floods.

Many displaced people are currently sheltered in schools, churches and mosques as well as public buildings. As schools are about to reopen, UNHCR and other partners will provide assistance to register and relocate the affected people into adequate temporary shelters.

“UNHCR contributions to the overall relief and response efforts will have an immediate impact for those who need it most,” said Ms Ahua. “We will continue working closely with the Government to identify solutions for those displaced and in need of accommodation.”