Torrential rains cause devastating floods in Conakry

Heavy rains overnight from August 23 to 24 led to widespread flooding in Conakry, Guinea’s capital. The deluge caused substantial material damage and posed a serious threat to the safety of local residents.

Social media was quickly flooded with accounts and images of the destruction, as people shared their experiences of the crisis.

In the neighborhood of Wanindara, the situation was particularly dire. “Here, several homes were inundated, but fortunately, there were no human casualties.

However, in the Sangoyah-Kissosso area, two motorcyclists were swept away by the rising waters,” said Mamadou Samba Diallo, speaking to APA News.

Other areas, such as Tannerie, have also been severely affected. Fatoumata Battouly Diallo, a resident of Tannerie, reported similar devastation: “Our neighborhood is flooded, right behind the main energy plant.”

The scale of the disaster has prompted calls for immediate government action. Mamadou Cellou Sow urged the authorities to respond swiftly to prevent further loss of life.

“The Ministry of Security and Civil Protection must act now to rescue stranded vehicles and people trapped along our flooded roads.

If necessary, halt all traffic until conditions improve,” he urged, emphasizing the need for a coordinated emergency response.

This latest natural disaster is not an isolated event for Conakry. “Conakry is like a peninsula stretched along the Atlantic Ocean, with more than three-quarters of its perimeter bordered by the sea.

The city has rugged terrain, with many areas plagued by unplanned construction and a lack of proper drainage systems.

With high rainfall, especially in July and August, even a small amount of rain can cause severe damage,” explained Mamadou Samba Diallo.

Facely Konaté, a local journalist, reminded APA News that similar floods had struck the region around the same time last year, resulting in at least four deaths.

“The damage is extensive, but it’s too early to fully assess it. I just spoke with the director of the National Agency for Emergency and Humanitarian Disaster Management, who promised an update by 6 PM.

He also mentioned two missing persons, suggesting the death toll could rise,” Konaté added, expressing concern over the potential for an even greater tragedy.

In response to the crisis, Guinea’s Prime Minister of the Transition, Mamadou Oury Bah, expressed solidarity with the affected communities. “The government stands with all our compatriots impacted by the floods.

Thank you to the specialized services and the many volunteers who assisted the victims,” he stated on social media platform X.

He urged residents to remain cautious while awaiting the implementation of new relief and protection measures.

Last month, more than 23 localities in Guinea had already been affected by flooding. In response, the European Union released emergency aid of €150,000 on August 21, 2024, to support the most severely impacted families.