By Alvin Lansana Kargbo
In an effort to provide vital support to the most vulnerable flood-affected households in the Western Area, Caritas Freetown, in partnership with its supporters, has launched the start of a symbolic registration event on 7th November, 2024. The event took place in Levuma Community in Western Area Urban and Grafton Community in Western Area Rural, with the primary aim of registering 669 households impacted by devastating floods in September. This registration will ensure that the most severely affected households are prioritized for financial assistance to help them recover from their losses.
This initiative, titled ERRF II Flooding Emergency Support to 669 Affected Victims in the Western Area, was established in response to the September floods that left over 3,300 households across 12 communities in need of urgent help. The symbolic registration event is a continuation of an emergency response that aims to provide targeted support to families in dire need, particularly those facing severe challenges such as loss of homes, livelihoods and access to basic necessities.
Rev. Peter Konteh, Executive Director of Caritas Freetown, expressed deep gratitude to Caritas’ partners and donors, who made the initiative possible also emphasizing the importance of community involvement in disaster management efforts. “This registration is not just about providing immediate relief but about identifying the households that need it the most. Caritas is able to operate thanks to our donors and supporters. We ask the community to help us by reporting any risks and working together to prevent further disasters,” he said.
The registration process allows Caritas and its partners to gather essential data, ensuring transparency and accountability in the distribution of funds. This approach also validates the experiences of flood-affected individuals, giving them a voice in the aid process. In line with these objectives, Caritas has announced that the most vulnerable households among the registered will receive NLe 3,250 Multi-Purpose Cash Assistance (MPCA) to help cover urgent needs, including food, shelter repairs and medical care, and 100 of houses were more affected by the flooding will receive an extra NLe 2,500
Gerald King, Regional Coordinator of the National Disaster Management Agency (NDMA), highlighted the importance of collaboration in disaster response. He noted that the symbolic registration process helps verify the needs of affected families, enabling targeted assistance to those who require it the most. “Caritas and other partners are helping us reach the people most impacted by this disaster and we urge community members to use this support responsibly,” he stated.
This partnership showcases the unified approach between Caritas, the NDMA, Freetown City Council, the Western Area Rural District Council and Community Disaster Management Committees. Together, they aim to enhance resilience in flood-prone areas, ensure aid is accessible to the most vulnerable and help affected families recover with dignity and respect.
With continued support, Caritas and its partners hope to address the immediate needs of the 669 registered households, laying the groundwork for more comprehensive recovery efforts across Sierra Leone’s affected communities.
