Priti Patel calls on world to 'follow UK's lead' on Sierra Leone mudslide aid

Countries around the world must "step up to the plate" and start providing help for communities left devastated by a mudslide which has left hundreds dead in Sierra Leone, Priti Patel has said.



The International Development Secretary spoke out as she announced a £5 million package of UK aid for the west African country.

Around 300 were killed and a further 600 are still missing after torrential rain caused part of Sugar Loaf mountain to collapse.

The UK aid package will help to provide clean water for 5,000 people, as well as food, clothing and counselling for thousands of children.

In a hard-hitting message, Ms Patel said the international community must follow Britain's lead to help those affected by the tragedy.

She said: "This tragedy comes shortly after the Ebola crisis which Sierra Leone has worked so hard to recover from. Britain was at the forefront in tackling that deadly disease and we remain shoulder to shoulder with Sierra Leone today after these devastating events.

"The UK was among the first to respond to this emergency, with personnel at the scene within just hours of the landslide to help co-ordinate the emergency response.

"Our new support will provide basic life-saving supplies like food, water, shelter and clothing to people who have lost everything. The international community must follow our lead and step up to the plate."