Humanitarian crisis looms as Sierra Leone deaths reach 400

– ‘Nothing can be enough’ –

Many people in the communities hit by the disaster said the emergency response had been too slow.

“On that very day, we were told to go and register. Up until now, we haven’t gotten anything. No medication for my child, no food,” Fatoumata Dumbuya said in the devastated hilltop community of Regent, where she shared a shack with six others.

AFP visited a school building in Regent where 350 people were living crammed together. Aid workers said survivors lacked basic necessities to stay warm.

“Nothing can be enough for now,” said Rosemary Blake of the Living Water SL charity. “We need blankets, we need used clothing or even unused clothing. We need shoes on their feet.”

Citizens and experts alike have questioned why the government has not done more to tackle illegal construction and deforestation on the outskirts of the overcrowded capital of Freetown.

In recent years, trees have been cut down from the Western peninsular forest on the city limits, with everything from shacks to mansions springing up haphazardly on the slopes.

The government has said that in the light of the catastrophe, relocation and a new settlement around the Freetown peninsula would be considered.

But similar measures have failed in the past as people seek to live close to the city centre for work.

– ‘Step up to the plate’ –

Meanwhile Britain, the former colonial power in Sierra Leone, announced £5 million ($6.45 million) in funding for several charities working on the ground.

Their funding targeting children’s bedding and clothing and clean water and sanitation for all survivors, as well as medical supplies.

“Our new support will provide basic life-saving supplies like food, water, shelter and clothing to people who have lost everything,” said Britain’s International Development Secretary Priti Patel.

“The international community must follow our lead and step up to the plate,” she added.

The Red Cross was preparing to launch an emergency funding appeal later Friday, while China has pledged $1 million, Togo $500,000.

Israel and several west African nations have contributed food and cash.

So far evacuations have been voluntary from affected areas, and Sy said this would remain the policy for the foreseeable future.