Winnipeg woman loses family in mudslide

A member of the Sierra Leonian community in Winnipeg has lost 14 family members to a mudslide in West Africa.

The mudslide that devastated Sierra Leone's capitol on August 14 has claimed over 1,000 lives, and has devastated many Manitoba Sierra Leonians, including Mahawa Conteh and her loved ones.

Simeon Ganda, a Sierra Leonian who now lives in Winnipeg, shared the tragic news after receiving word of the events. He has asked for prayer on behalf of the Sierra Leone Nationals Association of Manitoba (SALNAM) during this time of mourning for in their community.

"We just pray for God's mercies and for God to really just comfort those who are mourning... that God will console the families," shared Ganda.

There will be a vigil held on Friday, September 1, 7:00 p.m. at Knox Church for those who lost their lives in the disaster. Both cash and material donations will be thankfully accepted.

Thousands more in Freetown remain displaced, having lost their homes, possessions, and livelihoods in the tragedy.

Winnipegger Alie Mansaray, however, who was missing following the mudslide that occured August 14, has been safely located. A portion of his home was destroyed in the disaster, but Mansaray managed to escape with his life.

Ganda's own family in Sierra Leone, including his mother and adopted daughter, were not harmed by the mudslide.

SALNAM will be holding a number of fundraising events over the next few weeks as well to raise funds to support those affected by the disaster, including a car wash on September 9, 8:00 a.m.-4:00 p.m. at 1441 Henderson Hwy.