Title: Underwater Coyah Prefecture: A Tragic Situation Caused by Heavy Rains
Introduction :
The prefecture of Coyah, located about fifty kilometers from Conakry, was hit by torrential rains on the weekend of August 5-6. These exceptional rainfalls had tragic consequences, with one casualty and significant material damage. In this article, we will come back to the events that took place and the factors that contributed to this situation.
Rains of rare intensity:
Coyah, a mountainous region east of Conakry, experienced downpours of a rare magnitude around 124 millimeters of water in just 48 hours. These impressive amounts of rain caused devastating floods, engulfing homes, submerging streets and causing extensive property damage. Unfortunately, the rescue services also reported a death among the volunteers who were trying to help the inhabitants.
The human consequences:
Beyond the material damage, the torrential rains also had an impact on the health of the inhabitants of Coyah. About 40 people were admitted to the city hospital and surrounding health centers for treatment. Rescuers from the Red Cross, civil protection and many volunteers had to face a desolate situation, trying to help people affected by the floods.
The causes of the disaster:
During his visit to the site, the Minister of Territorial Administration, Mory Condé, highlighted the anarchic constructions as one of the main causes of this disaster. The city of Coyah is located in the wettest region of Maritime Guinea, which makes it particularly vulnerable to heavy rains. Unregulated constructions in risk areas worsen the situation and make residents more exposed to flooding.
Conclusion :
Coyah prefecture experienced a tragedy caused by the heavy rains that fell on the region. The human and material consequences are heavy, highlighting the urgency of taking measures to prevent such situations in the future. It is essential to raise awareness of the dangers of uncontrolled construction and to put in place adequate measures to prevent flooding in regions at risk