Torrential rains starting from 2^nd August lead to flooding in the capital Freetown. At least 7 people were reported dead and over 6000 were believed to have been displaced. Informal settlements including impoverished slum communities, scattered around the city and buildings in flood and landslides prone-areas were the most affected.

Freetown has for decades been designated as a natural disaster-prone city, especially for floods and mudslides, which are deemed likely not only because of the effects of climate change, but mainly because of the massive deforestation of the mountain forests for settlement and other activities.

In recent years, Freetown has experienced about 5 major floods, including the August 2^nd floods. According to a local newspaper regarding the damage caused by the recent floods, 441 homes were completely destroyed with 4364 partially damaged.

On this day (August 14) two years ago, a catastrophic mudslide and floods were experienced at Sugar Loaf Mountain (one of the mountains whose forests are destroyed by man’s activities) and other slums within the city. According to report, a total of 6000 people was affected; 1141 persons dead or missing and about 3000 displaced.

 Previous experiences have taught us enough that our repeated failures in addressing and or mitigating the consequences of these natural disasters and catastrophes will keep on reoccurring if no action is taken. To a greater extent, failure by ourselves in protecting our environment and ecosystems will increase the frequency and severity of these floods and mudslides.

Its high time the government, policy makers and individuals stop the more lip services and acts to protect future happenings similar disasters.