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Over 1,000 dead in Sierra Leone mudslide, flooding: authorities

Click to play video: 'UNICEF helps lead humanitarian response after Sierra Leone mudslides'
UNICEF helps lead humanitarian response after Sierra Leone mudslides
WATCH: UNICEF helps lead humanitarian response after Sierra Leone mudslides – Aug 27, 2017

FREETOWN, Sierra Leone – A local leader and a minister in Sierra Leone say more than 1,000 people have died in the mudslide and flood that hit the country’s capital nearly two weeks ago.

The government earlier put the death toll for the Aug. 14 mudslide at 450. Rescuers and aid groups warned that more than 600 people still missing from the disaster would likely not survive.

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READ MORE: Sierra Leone mudslides death toll climbs above 400

Elenoroh Jokomie Metzger, head of the women of Regent village, said more than 1,000 perished, though the exact number would never be known. She spoke during a Sunday remembrance ceremony.

Reverend Bishop Emeritus Arnold Temple, who leads a Methodist church near Regent, said the country was mourning well over 1,000 victims.

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Rescue and recovery efforts have continued as heavy rain brings the threat of another disaster.

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