The European Union has announced €175,000 in humanitarian funding to support thousands of people affected by severe flooding in Freetown and other parts of the Western Area Urban District.
The floods, caused by continuous heavy rainfall earlier in August 2026, resulted in deaths, displacement and extensive damage to homes and critical infrastructure.
According to a statement issued by the European Commission on Monday, August 24, the funding will support the Sierra Leone Red Cross Society in providing emergency assistance to about 5,100 people across 27 flood-affected communities.
The response will include multipurpose cash transfers, emergency shelter, water, sanitation and hygiene services, livelihood recovery and health support.
Protection assistance will also be provided to vulnerable groups, including women, children, older people and persons with disabilities.
More than 700 homes were reportedly damaged or destroyed by the floods, while access to essential services was disrupted and several water sources were contaminated.
The European Commission described the disaster as Freetown’s worst flood emergency since 2022, particularly affecting low-lying and densely populated communities.
With the rainy season continuing, authorities and humanitarian organisations have warned that communities remain at risk of further flash flooding, erosion and landslides.
The €175,000 intervention forms part of the European Union’s contribution to the Disaster Response Emergency Fund managed by the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies.
The fund enables national Red Cross and Red Crescent societies to access immediate financial support when responding to disasters and humanitarian emergencies.
The European Commission has signed a €16 million humanitarian agreement with the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies to support the fund and strengthen emergency responses around the world.
