Crisis response summary: Sierra Leona - Flooding

Since early September 2015, the Western area of Sierra Leone were affected by flooding. Though the government and NGO response in Freetown and surrounding areas was adequate, an estimated 4590 affected people in Bo and Pujehun were faced by gaps in the humanitarian response.

The floods had destroyed many houses and blocked some major roads. In Pujehun communities were cutoff by the rising river levels. Further rain was expected and there was immediate concern about the potential of Ebola, Cholera andwater borne diseases to exacerbate the crisis. Four network members (Save the Children UK, World Vision, Plan UK and Christian Aid)alerted the Start Fund on 22 September, highlighting the potential for multiplied risks to children (including children orphaned byEbola) and pregnant and lactating women (PLW).

On 25 September, 71 hours after the Start Fund alert, £95,486 was awarded to 2 projects (Action Aid and Save the Children), aimingto address needs in a wide range of sectors (Health, Nutrition, WASH and Education). Activities focused on WASH (latrine construction,hygiene promotion and ensuring clean water access), Food security (food ration), Health (awareness raising on the prevention ofcommunicable diseases) and Education (learning kits and case specific support to sit the NPSE exams).

#Agencies faced several challenges during implementation. Action Aid reported that the affected population emphasised the needfor food items and shelter reconstruction, but Action Aid felt they could not adapt their project and instead stuck to the proposedactivities. This is unfortunate as the Start Fund has built in flexibility on project activities. Save the Children faced logistical (roadaccess, mechanical problems with the fleet) and procurement (building materials for latrines were hard to source in flood affectedareas and UNCIEF Aquatabs were delayed until the fifth week of implementation) challenges.The response reached 120,755 people(54.2% female, 45.8% male) with £88,798, 5.2% of those affected, which was 2,480 more than planned. Aid targeted householdsbased on vulnerability (children, women and girls, PLW, elderly people, and people living with disabilities). Children under 18 (39.8%)and people over 50 (0.9%) together comprise 32.4% of people reached.