Churches across Sierra Leone held special services Sunday in memory of those killed in mudslides and flooding earlier this week, as hospital officials announced the toll had risen to nearly 500 bodies collected, ABC News reported.
More than 600 people remain missing and rescue officials have warned that the chances of finding survivors are decreasing each day. The death toll earlier stood at 450.
Large-scale-burials have taken place all this week amid rainy weather that threatened further mudslides.
The government of the impoverished West African nation in recent days has warned residents to evacuate a mountainside where a large crack has opened. Thousands of people live in areas at risk and the main focus is making sure they leave before further disaster, authorities have told local media.
Aid groups are providing clean water as a health crisis looms.
Foreign aid from the rest of the world is being sent to Freetown, said authorities. 

Source: Mena