By Mohamed Sankoh
Sierra Leone Meteorological Agency (SLMet) has launched their 2025 National Rainy Seasonal Outlook and climate risk with the theme ‘’Enhancing Effective Early Warning for Sierra Leone’’.
In his presentation, the Deputy Director General and Head of Operation Sierra Leone Meteorological Agency, Gabriel Kpaka said there is going to be high chance of flooding especially localized flooding, strong wind prevalence, thunderstorm, lightening and upwelling.
He said for the past thirty years, Freetown has recorded the highest rain fall especially in July, August and September, with Kono and Kailahun haing less rain fall.
He said Bo, Kenema, Makeni and Freetown are going to have above rain fall, while Kambia Magbruka will have less rain fall in May, June and July.
Mr. Kpaka further recommended for monitoring and response capacity, avoid uncontrolled occupation of flood-prone areas, clear sewer channels to facilitate evacuation of rain water as well as monitoring water levels during the July, August and September period.
Mr. Kpaka further affirmed the importance attached to raise awareness and disseminate warning on diseases and climate sensitive germs and avoid contaminated water thereby supporting the control of malaria and invest more in high-yielding crops, hence support farmers access to improved varieties.
The Deputy Director also informed Journalists that this year’s seasonal forecast is one of the most effective and efficient not only for the institution, but for the entire nation, adding that nowadays there are different weather partners which is why they have been engaging partner agencies on the preparedness for risk, he said.
