In Sierra Leone, the death toll from a devastating flooding and landslide earlier this week has risen to nearly 500.
More than 600 people remained missing, with rescue officials warning that the chances of finding survivors are decreasing each day. The worst flooding-related disasters occurred when the side of Mount Sugar Loaf collapsed after heavy rain, burying parts of Regent town on the outskirts of the capital, Freetown.
At least 10,000 people have already been forced from their homes and the government has called for the evacuation of another 10,000 people living on an unstable hillside in Freetown, where a large crack has opened.
