imagine

Did you see the “Pray for Sierra Leone” line anywhere? 

On August 14, a mudslide killed more than 400 people in the mountain town of Regent on the outskirts of Sierra Leone’s capital Freetown, sweeping away homes and leaving residents desperate for news of missing family members.

Here is what we know about it so far: (source)

What happened and when?

A hillside collapsed on Monday at 6am local time (06:00 GMT), causing a mudslide on the outskirts of Sierra Leone’s capital of Freetown.

The mudslide occurred after three days of torrential rain.

The mudslide and rain overwhelmed Freetown’s drainage system, creating waterways that churned down steep streets across the capital.

Mudslides overran several houses killing hundreds of residents, many of whom were trapped inside their homes.

Military personnel have been deployed to help rescue those still trapped.

According to Sierra Leone’s president, an emergency response centre has been established in Regent.  

How many casualties?

The death toll has risen to nearly 500. At least 109 children are among those who have been killed.

It is estimated that at least 600 people remain missing.

The morgue at Freetown’s Connaught Hospital has been so overwhelmed by dead bodies that many of them have been left on the floor for lack of space.

Is it safe now? What is the latest on the ground?

Aid agencies have warned that there is a risk of waterborne diseases such as cholera and typhoid spreading as more flooding is expected.

A local state of emergency has been declared.

Satellite images show extensive damage, with hundreds of buildings destroyed.

About 3,000 people are estimated to be homeless.

The Red Cross is struggling to excavate families buried deep in the mud that engulfed their homes.

What happened next?

The government of Sierra Leone promised relief to thousands of people left homeless, opening an emergency response centre in Regent and four registration centres.

On Wednesday, President Ernest Bai Koroma’s office promised “dignified burials” in the coming days.

The first of which is expected on Thursday at 3pm local time (15:00 GMT). However, according a local Freetown city council official at least 150 burials took places on Tuesday.

A week-long mourning was declared.

The International Organization for Migration released $150,000 in emergency funds.

The UN said it was evaluating humanitarian needs in the country and that “contingency plans are being put in place to mitigate any potential outbreak of waterborne diseases such as cholera, typhoid and diarrhoea”, according to spokesman Stephane Dujarric.

According to government figures, a total of 493 victims have been buried. The bulk of funerals took place during the first four days following the landslide. Reports from various sources indicate that hundreds are still missing but this figure is by no means verified. Substantiated numbers remain scarce since households’ numbers per demolished unit is uncertain. Excavation of bodies to be discontinued and the area will be demarcated for a memorial. 

Rain are continuing as expected at this time of the year but no further flooding or damage has been reported in the last 5 days. Further assessments to date have not suggested any specific risk of additional landslides.

ONS [Office of National Security] list 5905 individuals (1247 households) in five communities as being directly affected by flood or landslide affected areas, referring to the following categorization:

Survivors whose homes have been rendered either temporarily or permanently uninhabitable 

Households who have lost income generating member(s) 

Those injured because of disaster (all categories also include consideration for vulnerable groups)

There are three identified holding centres (IDPs sites) [internally displaced persons] in Regent, Kamayama and in town. 

The most vulnerable areas are Regent and Kamayama, directly affected by the landslide, other areas mainly affected by flooding. The Sierra Leone Government has decided to relocate IDPs from Regent to a safer environment at Old School compound in Hill Valley (about 5km away). School start is delayed by one week to second week of September due to the emergency. Registration of people in disaster-prone areas needs to consider long-term planning as well. 

There are challenges in coordinated reporting from the five Incident Coordination Centres [ICC] set up close to affected communities, however steps are taken by the Office of National Security [ONS] with support from UNDAC [United Nations Disaster Assessment and Coordination] and partners to address these. WFP [World Food Program] is supporting the Registration Pillar Lead Ministry of Social Welfare, Women Gender and Children’s Affairs to digitize beneficiary registration and verify registrants with support from local community leaders.

Response efforts: 

Overall the most urgent lifesaving needs are progressively being covered, in particular those related to essential household items, health and food aid. WASH [Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene] actions to prevent the contamination of water sources and prevention of epidemics are being undertaken. 

Efforts should also focus on communities like Culvert who have not yet received some of the essential relief items. Support to the safe and dignified voluntary relocation of some IDPs to safer zones should also be a priority and should include the provision of essential services. 

WFP has seconded a staff full-time to ONS [Office of National Security] Situation Room and UNDAC [United Nations Disaster Assessment and Coordination] has also two teams working hand in hand with them on the spot in field control centres and at the Situation Room. 

IOM [International Organization for Migration] has deployed an information management expert to work with ONS on standardising registration and reporting from field Incident Control Centres (ICC). UK has also deployed two DFID [Department for International Development] staff working with the Government. 

UNOPS [United Nations Office for Project Services] is doing mapping, surveys, satellite images and drone powered data as well as engineering advice, in close collaboration with the ONS [Office of National Security] and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). UNOPS handed over of 1,000 solar lanterns to the ICC’s and impacted households through ONS [Office of National Security] and WFP [World Food Programme]. WFP is providing trucks and light vehicles, tents and ICT support to the Government’s ICCs

HEALTH 

The initial emergency phase of care for the wounded (over 200 so far), body recovery and safe and dignified burials is gradually shifting to a heightened surveillance and infection prevention and control phase. At least seven cholera kits have been made available by partners and the Government to cover potential needs for at least two months. 

Public health risks exist from flooding of wells and latrines, proliferation of mosquitoes as well as water borne diseases. WHO [World Health Organization] is supporting MoH [Ministry of Health] for increased surveillance preparedness for malaria. Health pillar working to enhance cholera preparedness, including ongoing surveillance for acute watery diarrhoea. ONS [Office of National Security] briefings states that there have been a few cases of Diarrhoea but that no testing has come out positive for cholera. 

WHO [World Health Organization] and Ministry of Health with support from a Spanish Police team are working closely with forensic team to do post mortem identification. 

UNICEF [United Nations International Children’s Emergency Fund] is continuing to provide infection prevention and control materials and essential medicines to the four main hospitals in Freetown. DFID [Department for International Development] has made available trauma kits to be supplied to emergency health facilities. 

The need for psychosocial support has to some degree been addressed. ONS [Office of National Security] figures states that roughly 400 (mainly women and children) have received psychosocial support. UN Women has performed orientation on gender in humanitarian settings as referrals to interim care centres are on-going.

FOOD SECURITY 

WFP and the Food & Nutrition pillar has completed distributions to about 75 % of identified households in areas affected by both landslides and flooding. 

As of 22 August 2017, WFP has reached 1,908 households with food and nutrition support, expanding support to communities in Juba Bridge and Kanike (200 and 31 households, respectively). WFP also provided fortified complementary food to children 6-59 months at a shelter in Regent (200 children) and Kaningo (157 children). Planned food support to morgue and hospital workers is still pending. 

WFP is working with NGO [non-governmental organizations] and private sector partners to determine complementarity between wet and dry food distributions at Regent, Kaningo and Kamayama. Welthungerhilfe, World Vision, the Sierra Leone Red Cross Society and other partners are providing cooking spaces and preparing wet food at shelters. WFP will work with these partners to support cooking of WFP rations at shelters, as well as preparation of condiments (e.g. leaf stew that typically accompanies rice).

WASH 

The Water Resources Unit and partners are currently assessing WASH needs in the affected areas, to be concluded at the end of the week. UNICEF has supported Ministry of Health and Sanitation to set up a technical hub for coordination of WASH services at Juba barracks. Hygiene education is continuing at the two centres as well as in the communities that are within the vicinity of the centres. This will be scaled-up to reach more members of the community who have been directly affected by the flooding in both Kaningo and Regent

UNICEF continues to support the provision and delivery of water to the affected communities. In Kaningo, two 3,000 litre tanks and one 5,000 litre tank were provided. In Pentagon (part of Kamayama), one 6,000 litre bladder was established and 10,000 litres delivered to the existing water tank in Kamayama.

MSF [Doctors Without Borders] has installed 5,000 litres bladder in Regent and Kamayama communities and is currently mapping wels and sources at risk of contamination

In Regent, UNICEF through it implementing partners, has completed the renovation of existing toilets at the Saio temporary displacement centre, construction of two mobile latrines and two shower shelters, with each four rooms (two males and two females). 6,000 litres of water were also delivered.

In Pentagon, 6,000 litres of water were delivered, two mobile latrines, four hand washing stations and two shower rooms were constructed. Regular solid waste collection and disposal at the Pentagon school, including placing handwashing stations has also been completed. Construction of a rainwater harvesting system is now underway

As of 21 August, Street Child of Sierra Leone provided water and emergency Ready-To-Eat packages to 4398 people (1434 women, of which 202 pregnant, 325 lactating; 1922 children). Also 5 water points established (Regent, Kamayama, Kaningo, Calvert, and Dwarzack registrationg centres). Clothing distributed to 1615 people (478 children, 1137 adults). 

Requirement to map at-risk wells and water sources along the river would be useful to support planning for chlorination to prevent contamination. 

The regular supply of water to the two main temporary displacement centres by the Guma Valley Water Company is continuing. 

World Vision SL supported 770 people at Pentagon with WASH intervention.

SHELTER 

There is a need to determine number of households needing relocation from both long and short-term perspectives. Additional need to consult with and consider the needs for host families to identify hosting modalities. Shelter pillar currently considering duration of hosting as between 3-6 months for planning purposes. 

Shelter pillar called by the National Commission for Social Action (NaCSA), are producing a policy address shelter needs, including the issue of people either still living in or considering returning to identified ‘at risk’ areas. 

The UN in Sierra Leone has contacted UN HABITAT and UNEP [United Nations Environment Programme] in Nairobi to mobilise support for shelter and urban planning issues as well as a possible environmental impact assessment. 

EDUCATION/CHILD PROTECTION 

The Government has announced that the reopening of schools will be pushed back to 11 September 2017. Nevertheless, there is an urgent need to relocate those in temporary shelters in time to ensure the readiness of the schools that are being used as temporary displacement centres and provide supplies to the children that have been affected by the crisis. 

SOCIAL MOBILIZATION 

The Communication pillar is headed by the Minister of Communication and includes representatives from the UN Country Team. Information Kiosk are to be set up at the ICC areas to assist in community engagement and better access to verified information and support community feedback. There is a distinct need for coordinated messaging addressing risks, diarrhoeal diseases, including cholera and malaria prevention. 

Pledges and Missions 

ECOWAS [Economic Community of West African States ] (including WAHO [West African Health Organization]): $300,000 USD

Ghana team including Vice-President and NADMO [National Disaster Management Organisation] national coordinator have brought 10MT of relief items 

Togo [Togolese Republic]: $500,000 USD

China: US$1million to the Government of Sierra Leone through its embassy in Freetown. 

Spain: €60,000 EUR and deployed a technical team to help with body identification 

UK: $5 million USD 

EU: €300,000 EUR for vulnerable families affected by disaster (through local and international partners)  

Ireland: €400,000 EUR for START fund (International NGOs)

Mercury International: $55,000 USD 

Africell : 67,000 USD 

Red Cross appeal 4.8m USD asked

Israel announced it will send medicine, clean water, and blankets via the embassy in Senegal.  

Guinea and Nigeria also pledged support. 

Morroco has send 66MT (tents, blankets, cholera kits). Transport by Royal Armed Forces

Switzerland has pledged $400 000 CHF [Swiss Franc] to IFCR [ Integrated Freight Corp] Appeal (WASH, primary health) 

Qatar is sending cargo 

UK has dispatched a team from the British Geological Survey (BGS) that is assessing the risk of further landslides in the already-affected zone 

Liberia has forwarded 20 vehicles, medical and food supplies. 

Spanish Police Forensic team will be helping on identification of victims etc. 

I know this has been super long but we are talking about trying to save human lives so please bear with the long post.  

****Okay here’s the really fucking important part (PLEASE READ), how/where to donate:****

UNICEF USA  [United Nations International Children’s Emergency Fund ]

Concern Worldwide [international humanitarian organization dedicated to tackling poverty and suffering in the world’s poorest countries]

The International Rescue Committee [global humanitarian aid, relief, and development nongovernmental organization that responds to the world’s worst humanitarian crises and helps people to survive and rebuild their lives ] 

Save the Children [international non-governmental organization that promotes children’s rights, provides relief and helps support children in developing countries]  

Public Good [donations funded to multiple other active nonprofit relief efforts ] 

ActionAid [international non-governmental organization whose primary aim is to work against poverty and injustice worldwide]

Global Giving [501©(3) non-profit organization based in the United States that provides a global crowdfunding platform for grassroots charitable projects]

“I might do it right away, maybe early this week. I am seriously thinking about it,” Trump said, according to Fox News. He said Arpaio was a “great American patriot” who had “done a lot in the fight against illegal immigration.”

“Is there anyone in local law enforcement who has done more to crack down on illegal immigration than Sheriff Joe?” Trump said, according to Fox News. “He has protected people from crimes and saved lives. He doesn’t deserve to be treated this way.”

Here’s a casual reminder what this “great patriot” has done:

In 2008 & 2010 a federal judge found that his jailed violated the constitutional rights of inmates when it came to medical care related issues. 

He set up tent city, which he loving describes as a “concentration camp.” The jail has been noted for its human rights violations and constitutional rights violations.

Arpaio has been sued for feeding inmates in his jail moldy, expired, and contaminated food and for housing inmates in conditions so hot and overcrowded that it endangered their health.

Arpaio and his sheriff offices have reported faulty criminal investigation statistics to federal authorities in 75% of its cases to boost his performance rating and clearance numbers. This is done by reporting cases as “solved” without investigating them.

Some of those cases that were “solved” without proper investigation include the rape of a 14 year old girl by her classmates and the rape of a 15 year old girl by two men whose case was closed before the DNA testing was even complete. 

He failed to have hundreds of other sex crimes investigated and failed to investigate 32 child molestations. To make it worse, almost all the child molestation cases had known suspects and most the victims happened to be children of undocumented immigrants.

The handling of Sabrina Morrison’s sexual assault.

A court has found that he politically abuses his power and he has allegedly abused his power to go after journalists, ACLU attorneys, and AZ politicians. 

He has been fined for violating Arizona elections laws. 

In 2011 it was found that Arpaio had misspent $100 million in jail funds in just 5 years. For him and his deputies, this includes vacations, trips to Disneyland, expensive meals, and staying in luxury hotels.

Framed an innocent man for an assassination attempt on himself, which almost sent the man to jail for 20 years. A jury later found that it had been an elaborate publicity stunt to boost Arpaio’s reelection bid. Arpaio was sued for wrongful arrest and entrapment by the man which he settled for $1.6 million.

Countless numbers of racial profiling.

So much racial profiling that the Department of Justice investigated him and found that he has “a pervasive culture of discriminatory bias against Latinos” that “reaches the highest levels of the agency.” They also concluded that he engages in “unconstitutional policing” and that he committed some of the worst patterns of racial profiling in U.S. history. 

Bessie Stringfield (1911-1993): The Motorcycle Queen of Miami

She was a great woman. Full entry here. Book here. Art notes after the cut.

feminism didn’t teach me that men are out to get me. it didn’t persuade me mansplaining existed a là wormtongue or tell me to set fire to my bra. it said ‘hey, has this ever happened to you?’, and it had. 

it said ‘this happens to most women, and it kind of sucks, right?’, and i agreed that it did

and it encouraged me to question and to think: to not assume i had to be quiet and subsurvient, to question why i had to shave and my male friends did not, to use my voice when i was uncomfortable or unhappy

and i was shocked to realise all the garbage around me, but excited to do what i could to change it

and then i started to talk to men about it

and i was told women are sluts and bitches, and that we have it better than men, and that fat women are always unloveable, and that feminism is a hate group, that because the 77 cents figure was disproved no wage gap could possibly exist, that affirmative action is unfair, that women are just not as smart or capable as men, that i should get back in the kitchen, that i was too sensitive, that hot women will always be reduced to their bodies and ugly women will always be mocked for theirs, that mansplaining didn’t exist (this was, of course, mansplained to me), that women just aren’t cut out for STEM, that women these days are uppity, that i was a whore if i had sex and a prude if i didn’t, that i deserved what was coming to me if i took nudes but could i send them some anyway?

i will always fight to protect and support men and their rights. i care deeply about male suicide rates, male addiction rates and the attitude that prevents men from getting help, paternity leave, racial discrimination against black men, toxic masculinity, domestic abuse against men not being taken seriously… 

but goddamn, when i talk to men and have them consistently refuse to acknowledge my experiences are valid, when they laugh and ask if i’m on my period or tell me to ‘smile!’, when they brush me off as a SJW or get angry at me for being a ‘bitch’, it makes me want to say ‘you know what? fuck men. i give up.’

I’ve finished The Bone Witch last night, and now I’m in between books. I’m choosing between Frost Like Night by Sara Raasch, The Fallen Kingdom by Elizabeth May, or Windwitch by Susan Dennard. 

How was the bone witch ???

I actually really enjoyed The Bone Witch, which is very surprising since I figured that I wouldn’t like the book. 

I’m glad you did!! I have yet o pick it up and I’m like hmmm maybe

I jsut looked up Contagion to see what it’s about, and I have a feeling that there are zombies in the story?? D: 

Thus far (I’m only like 100 pages in) there’s ghosts a cure for something and needless romance

BLEH NEEDLESS ROMANCE, BLEHHH

Honolulu is beautiful and a very easy read; I read Brennert’s Moloka’i a few years ago and loved it, and this one follows the same vein of breathtaking storytelling. It follows a Korean girl who moves to Hawaii in the 1910s.