312 killed in Sierra leone today after Mount Sugar Loaf collapse and mudslide

In a shocking disaster in Africa, a hillside called Mount Sugar Loaf, collapsed after heavy rainfall , 85 mm in 24 hours in Freetown Sierra Leone early this morning. This is one of the wettest areas at this time of the year.

The heavy rainfall triggered a mud slide which led to the deaths of 312 people so far as houses were engulfed. Emergency services struggled to reach the victims as roads became impassable due to rainfall, mud , rock falls and fog engulfing the area.

The area is one of the poorest areas in Freetown and most of the collapsed houses are said to have been flimsy shacks built illegally, leaving many to be buried alive while asleep at night. At least 2000 people have been left homeless so far

What was initially a rescue mission has now become according to authorities , just a recovery exercise as they do no expect to find survivors buried in the mud and rainfall flooded  area. More news to follow..By Sibusiso Ngwenya