11 Sep 2018 | 08:36 AM UTC
Guinea: Heavy rain and flooding in Boké and Labé regions
Heavy rains have hit the Boké and Labé regions since the beginning of September, leading to damage and major transportation disruptions
Event
Heavy rains have hit the regions of Boké (west) and Labé (north-central) since the beginning of September, causing subsequent flooding. The prefecture of Gaoual (Boké) and Lelouma (Labé) are among the worst affected areas. Many roads have been flooded, causing significant traffic disruptions in affected areas, notably on roads leading to the capital Conakry. Hundreds of homes have also reportedly been destroyed and at least one person has been killed.
More heavy rain is forecast in the coming days, which could exacerbate the situation.
Context
The entire country is regularly affected by heavy rainfall between May and September.
Advice
Individuals present in affected areas are advised to follow all instructions as issued by local authorities and to monitor the situation via local media and weather reporting outlets. Remember that driving or walking through running water can be dangerous - 15 cm (6 in) of running water is enough to knock over an adult - and that floodwater may contain wastewater or chemical products; all items having come into contact with the water should be disinfected and all foodstuffs discarded.
