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.
Get daily National news
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.
- Storm to bring up to 60 millimetres of rain to parts of Ontario, Quebec
- A ferocious Hurricane Simon nears Mexico with 155 mph winds and flooding fears
- Simon strengthens into a Category 4 hurricane as it approaches Mexico’s coast
- Isaias weakens but flash flooding threat persist as hundred of thousands grapple with power outages
Reverend Bishop Emeritus Arnold Temple, who leads a Methodist church near Regent, said the country was mourning well over 1,000 victims.
Rescue and recovery efforts have continued as heavy rain brings the threat of another disaster.
Comments
Want to discuss? Please read our Commenting Policy first.