Sierra Leone mudslides

The U.S. has expressed its condolences to the people of Sierra Leone over the flooding and mudslides that devastated communities in and around Freetown killing about 500 people.

The Department of State said the U.S. provided various forms of support during the disaster summer in which about 600 people were still declared missing, according to Ms Heather Nauert, Department Spokesperson.

The U.S. noted that Sierra Leone was officially concluding the period of national mourning, reiterating its profound sympathy and “extends condolences to the people of Sierra Leone as they begin to heal from this disaster”.

Personnel from the U.S. Embassy in Sierra Leone, including from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the Department of Defense, and the U.S. Agency for International Development, have been working closely with the Sierra Leonean Ministry of Health and Sanitation, it said.

The Department added that the U.S also worked with the Office of National Security to provide technical support and humanitarian assistance to assist in the Government of Sierra Leone’s response.

“The United States will continue to closely monitor the impact of the flooding and mudslides and coordinate with the Government of Sierra Leone and international partners on next steps in the recovery,” the Department said.

(NAN)