Humanitarian organisation, GOAL Sierra Leone, says it has distributed essential food supplies to 178 households affected by fire in Culvert community in Freetown.

An ignited blaze caused by poor electrification from one of the many clustered zinc houses in Culvert community burnt down 34 houses on 28 April, 2022.

Development Diaries gathered that GOAL Sierra Leone distributed 25kg rice bags to the 178 households affected by the fire.

It is understood that the relief items were coordinated by GOAL Sierra Leone in partnership with the National Disaster Management Agency (NDMA) in the country through its directorate of relief and response.

‘GOAL with [NDMA] yesterday and today distributed essential food supplies to 178 Culvert fire community victims’ households’, GOAL said in a tweet.

‘This latest fire, a worrying trend within at-risk communities in Freetown, is another example of why #DRR is essential moving ahead’.

Research shows that poor infrastructural provision and inadequate resources to reduce the severity of fires, limit the ability of various stakeholders to act, thereby contributing to perpetuate risks associated with fire disasters within Freetown, particularly its informal settlements.

The Pacific Disaster Centre, in a 2020 report, noted that exposure to natural hazards including fires is compounded by extreme socioeconomic vulnerability, with over half the population in Sierra Leone living in poverty

Sierra Leone is prone to climate-related disasters like fires, water shortages, floods and mudslides. According to the International Institute for Environment and Development, Freetown, the country’s capital, has experienced over 25 major urban fires since February 2021.

The NDMA was launched in November 2020 to manage disasters and similar emergencies in Sierra Leone, develop the capacity of communities to respond effectively to disasters and emergencies promptly.

Photo source: GOAL Sierra Leone