A. Situation analysis
Description of the disaster
Between 24 July and 3 August 2015, it rained heavily in the capital of Guinea, Conakry and in several areas of the country (Télimelé, Macenta, Siguiri, Beyla, Forécariah and Coyah) causing serious floods with loss of human lives as well as significant material damage. In Conakry, over 450mm of rain fell (National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration - NOAA). In other regions, specifically the northwest, 200mm fell during this time.
In some localities of Telimele, a prefecture located in lower Guinea, around 1,700 people have been affected by the violent storms and the heavy rains. These people have lost their dwellings. In addition 29 people have been seriously injured and 2 people died as a consequence of their injuries.
In Beyla and Forecariah the floods killed 4 people while in Macenta the material damage is without precedent.
All five communes of Conakry (Matoto, Dixinn, Ratoma, Kaloum, Matam) were severely affected by the flooding. Recent census estimates the population of this area at 238,134 people. This situation is challenging and worsening the health situation in the country which is already seriously affected by the Ebola epidemics since 2014.
According to the initial assessment conducted by the Guinean Red Cross (GRC) with the support of IFRC country representation, 4,925 households have lost their dwellings in the six prefectures and five communes1 of Conakry assessed. In addition, 685 water sources have been destroyed by the floods. The majority of concerned areas have suffered from cholera epidemics in the past and are at risk again. Challenges also exist with accessing potable water. The table below gives more comprehensive information of the result of the assessment.
Specific areas across the country have been affected according to the joint GRC-SENAH assessment, including areas in central-west (Telimele), in the south-east (Macenta, Beyla, and Coyah), in the west (Forecariah), and in the north-east (Siguiri), as well as in Conakry. These areas most affected include low-lying areas, those close to rivers, and areas which had heavy rainfall and poor drainage.
In light of this situation and with the support of IFRC country representation, Guinean Red Cross will prioritize hygiene promotion activities as well as the rehabilitation of water points, general sanitation and the distribution of shelter kits and treated bed nets