The European Union (EU) has announced €175,000 in humanitarian assistance to support thousands of people affected by severe flooding in Sierra Leone, particularly in Freetown and the Western Area Urban District.
The funding, aimed at addressing the immediate needs of flood victims, will support the Sierra Leone Red Cross Society in providing emergency assistance to 5,100 people across 27 flood-affected communities.
The assistance package will include multipurpose cash transfers, emergency shelter support, water, sanitation and hygiene services, livelihood recovery assistance, and health support. Protection services will also be provided to vulnerable groups, including women, children, older persons, and persons living with disabilities.
The EU said the funding forms part of its wider contribution to the Disaster Response Emergency Fund (DREF) of the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC), which enables rapid humanitarian responses to disasters globally.
The flooding, triggered by continuous heavy rainfall in early August 2026, caused widespread destruction, resulting in loss of lives, displacement of communities, and damage to homes and critical infrastructure.
According to the EU, more than 700 houses were damaged or destroyed, while access to basic services was disrupted and several water sources became contaminated. The disaster has mainly affected low-lying and densely populated communities, making it Freetown’s worst flood emergency since 2022.
The EU warned that with the rainy season still ongoing, the risk of further flash floods, erosion, and landslides remains high, leaving many communities vulnerable.
The humanitarian support is being delivered through the EU’s Civil Protection and Humanitarian Aid Operations department, which provides emergency assistance to millions of people affected by natural disasters and crises worldwide.
The EU and its Member States remain among the largest humanitarian donors globally, providing aid based on humanitarian needs with the aim of saving lives, reducing suffering, and protecting the dignity of vulnerable populations.
As part of its global humanitarian response efforts, the European Commission has signed a €16 million humanitarian delegation agreement with the IFRC to support the Federation’s Disaster Response Emergency Fund.
Established in 1979, the DREF provides immediate financial assistance to National Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies responding to disasters. Funds are allocated by the IFRC and replenished through contributions from international donors.
The latest EU support is expected to strengthen ongoing relief efforts and help affected communities recover from the devastating impact of the floods.