A Winnipeg man who returned to his native Sierra Leone has not been heard from since a mudslide ripped through the country's capital, Freetown.

The mudslide struck in the early morning hours of Monday, August 14, while many people were still sleeping. Over 400 people are already confirmed dead, with that number expected to rise. As well, over 3,000 people are now homeless.

Winnipegger not heard from

Simeon Ganda is a Sierra Leonean who now lives in Winnipeg, and he says that another Winnipegger who returned to Sierra Leone has not been heard from. Alie Mansaray had built a house in the area known as Regent, on the outskirts of Freetown. Mansaray's family lives in Winnipeg still and he says everyone is holding out hope that he is ok.

Ganda says that "the area that this disaster struck is a residential area," and the powerful mudslide wiped out and covered many homes in the area. The Red Cross says they believe around 600 people are currently missing.

Ganda himself still has family in the area, including his mother and adopted daughter. His family members were unharmed.

Prayers & generosity needed

Most people in the area are already facing difficult life circumstances. Ganda says that many people are already living off less than $20 a month. Now with thousands facing homelessness, their difficulties are compounded. "There are people who are homeless. People whose livelihoods have been taken away. There is a risk of disease with all the dead bodies, and it is still raining heavily."

"Our country needs prayer," Ganda says. "We're just asking for God's mercy to be on the country. Whatever we do, we're just asking for his mercy and grace to be on the people, and for the people not to lose hope."

Donations can be made to Red Cross Canada. Ganda also says that the Sierra Leone Nationals Association of Manitoba (SALNAM) is planning a prayer vigil and details will be coming out soon.

If you have questions or want to help in other ways you can contact Ganda directly at 204.951.4250 or the President of SALNAM at 204.951.9571