Torrential rains in Sierra Leone this week caused widespread floods, resulting in at least seven deaths and the displacement of thousands. Many of Freetown’s 1.2 million residents have sought shelter in the city’s sports stadium. Without access to medical care or appropriate sanitation, the crowded living situation raises concern for Cholera and Ebola transmissions.

After two weeks without a confirmed case of Ebola, the virus claimed the life of a teenager in Bombali district. As a precaution, 700 people remain under quarantine.

Direct Relief’s Response:

Direct Relief is in contact with Sierra Leone-based Medical Research Center (MRC). MRC is adapting a medical tent from Direct Relief into a temporary care unit. As MRC draws on its available medical resources to care for people displaced by the storms, Direct Relief is preparing an emergency medical shipment to backfill their inventory.

With forecasts predicting more rain through next week, the situation is expected to worsen.

As if Ebola, malaria, cholera, typhoid and a brutal civil war weren’t enough, yesterday #Freetown was flooded. This was my drive home from work yesterday in an area with minimal damage. People had water coming out their windows. And then there are all the people who live in tin shacks. Correction: who lived in tin shacks. The football stadium opened up last night to take them in for now. At least 4 people confirmed dead, but thats as of last night, so likely more. Like my friends in Mozambiqie used to say, o sofrimento aqui não acaba – the suffering here never ends. Positive thoughts for Mama #Salone please?? #SierraLeone

A video posted by @gettinjillywithit on Sep 17, 2015 at 10:26am PDT

#Aftermath of the flooding #Freetown still counting

A photo posted by Chernor Musa Jalloh (@dantatajalloh) on Sep 17, 2015 at 5:55am PDT

#flooding hit #Freetown #Rain A photo posted by Chernor Musa Jalloh (@dantatajalloh) on Sep 16, 2015 at 10:34am PDT