Sierra Leone's Symbolic 'Cotton Tree' Destroyed In Rain Storm
Fahad Shabbir (@FahadShabbir) Published May 26, 2023 | 06:49 PM
A centuries-old, towering tree that served as a historic symbol in Sierra Leone has been felled during a wind and rain storm in the capital Freetown, the government said on Thursday
Freetown, (APP - UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 26th May, 2023 ):A centuries-old, towering tree that served as a historic symbol in Sierra Leone has been felled during a wind and rain storm in the capital Freetown, the government said on Thursday.
The 70-metre (230-foot) Ceiba pentandra -- lovingly known by Sierra Leoneans as "Cotton Tree" -- lost all of its branches late Wednesday, with only the base of its enormous trunk still standing, a government statement said, citing "torrential rains and high winds".
It is estimated the tree is around 400 years old.
"All Sierra Leoneans will pause for thought at the loss of such a prestigious national symbol as Cotton Tree," President Julius Maada Bio said.
"For centuries it has been a proud emblem of our nation, a symbol of a nation that has grown to provide shelter for many." According to legend, slaves who won their freedom fighting on the British side of the American War of Independence prayed under the tree when they arrived in West Africa.
It adorned bank notes and stamps, was visited by Queen Elizabeth II in 1961, and had remained a landmark ever since.
Freetown residents continued to pray beneath the tree, which in recent decades towered over a busy roundabout near the national museum, the central post office and the country's highest court.
- Shock and heartbreak - Hundreds of people, including President Bio, visited the site in mourning throughout the day Thursday.
"I'm shocked and heartbroken to see our beloved Freetown Cotton Tree destroyed this morning on my way to work," Gibrilla Sesay, a 34-year-old finance worker, told AFP.
In a statement, the Ministry of Tourism and Cultural Affairs appealed to the public not to cut off wood from the debris, which it said would be taken to the national museum.
"In order to preserve the remains of the rich cultural heritage of our beloved city, relics of the fallen tree will be secured and preserved", it said.
There were no reports of injuries, the government said.
The police and military were deployed around the area Thursday, an AFP reporter said, and the government announced a clean-up effort was underway.
Parts of the tree had previously caught fire in 2018 and 2020.
Sierra Leone has suffered several climate-related disasters in recent years.
In 2017, more than 1,100 people were killed in a mudslide in the capital when part of a mountain collapsed onto informal settlements.
Another eight people were killed in a landslide last August.
At least 15 people died in flooding earlier in May, according to the National Disaster Management Agency.
Sierra Leone's rainy season typically lasts from May to October.
Related Topics
Recent Stories
ICC Womens T20 World Cup Qualifier, Match 2: Ireland Women open with Comfortable ..
Robinson, bowlers help New Zealand go 2-1 up against Pakistan
Shahzeb Chachar to hold khuli kachehri on April 26
Heatwave amid Israel's aggression in Gaza brings new misery, disease risk
Tourism must change, mayor says as Venice launches entry fee
Court adjourns Judicial Complex attack case till May 17
Nasreen Noori’s book ‘Popatan Jahra Khwab’ launched
Wafaqi Mohtasib inspection team visits Excise and taxation office
AJLAC announces 5th Conference titled ‘People’s Mandate: Safeguarding Civil ..
Pak-US officials engage to enhance trade, investment ties
IBCC to promote educational excellence, expand regional presence
Pakistani 'Blue Helmets' serving UN Peacekeeping Mission in DR Congo set to leav ..
More Stories From World
-
Bangladesh children sweat at home as heatwave shuts schools
2 minutes ago -
Pakistani 'Blue Helmets' serving UN Peacekeeping Mission in DR Congo set to leave after 20 years of ..
22 minutes ago -
Golf: PGA Zurich Classic of New Orleans scores
32 minutes ago -
Slot 'confident' of Liverpool job as 'negotiations' take place
6 hours ago -
Google parent Alphabet's Q1 profits beat estimates: company
7 hours ago -
WADA asks 'independent prosecutor' to examine Chinese swimmers case
7 hours ago
-
New York court overturns Harvey Weinstein sex crime conviction
7 hours ago -
Bagnaia and Spanish rivals chase victory at Jerez
8 hours ago -
Russian, Ukrainian strikes kill at least 10 in frontline regions
9 hours ago -
Heatwave amid Israel's aggression in Gaza brings new misery, disease risk
9 hours ago -
Tourism must change, mayor says as Venice launches entry fee
9 hours ago -
Pakistani 'Blue Helmets' serving UN Peacekeeping Mission in DR Congo set to leave after 20 years of ..
9 hours ago