大象传媒

In the capital of Sierra Leone a key historic landmark has been brought down by a storm. The iconic natural landmark in Freetown - a towering cotton tree - was hundreds of years old and considered a symbol of freedom.

It was said to have been the site of prayers by a group of formerly American enslaved people when they settled the site of what is now Freetown.

Journalist Umaru Fofana told Newsday how the demise of the historic cotton tree immediately changed the face of the city.

"It's been raining heavy about a week ago and one of the branches fell... then last night amid the rainstorm the entire tree caved in. The skyline in Freetown is changed, some say forever. Somebody told me it's like when the Twin Towers fell."

鈥淭he trunk is firmly rooted and it鈥檚 hoped the tree would grow again.鈥�

(Pic: The cotton tree in Freetown; Credit: Omaru Fofana)