Heavy rains that fell on September 26-27, 2026, have caused widespread damage in several localities of Koundara prefecture in Guinea's Boké region. Although no loss of life has been reported, many citizens are struggling with the consequences of the bad weather. Several concessions have been damaged, crossing structures swept away, and multiple localities isolated. The under-prefecture of Saréboïdo has been severely affected, with the Marou river overflowing and submerging the Saréboïdo-Koundara axis.
The RN9 road connecting Koundara to the Guinea-Bissau border has been rendered impassable in some areas. Citizens and local authorities report that several crossing structures, including those at Kathiaourou and Kantoutou, have been severely damaged. A bridge connecting Kathiaourou to Sanka was swept away by floodwaters, as was another structure linking Sanka 1 to Sanka 2. Amadou Tidiane Diallo, a young leader in Saréboïdo, stated that many small bridges and homes, including those in Kathiaourou Ley, have been damaged or destroyed.
The situation is dire in Sarèkali and Besseouro villages, which are completely cut off due to overflowing rivers. Residents of these localities were unable to attend the weekly market on September 27. On the Marou bridge, located on RN9, floodwaters have made it difficult to cross, with young people helping citizens traverse for a fee. In Dhaïbata and Wadjiatoulaye, the road is completely blocked, forcing travelers to take a detour through Sambaïlo to reach Koundara.
The mayor of Saréboïdo commune, Ninketa Bandia, confirmed the worrying situation in his area, stating that travel to Koundara is extremely complicated. He reported that young people are helping citizens cross the Marou river, which has overflowed its banks. The mayor urged the government to intervene and help repair the international road, which is crucial for local commerce and agriculture.
The under-prefect of Saréboïdo, Captain Alpha Mansaré, confirmed that citizens are currently forced to take a detour through Sambaïlo to reach Koundara due to the impassable road. He announced plans to tour several districts to assess the damage and provide information to his superiors. The situation remains fluid, with ongoing rains and further damage possible.
Reports from Sambaïlo indicate that the situation is also critical, with families losing homes and livestock in Wanouwol and Tchoupoutel villages. However, these reports have not been independently confirmed. Former legislative candidate Mamadou Bill Boiro called for solidarity and rapid action from competent services to evaluate the damage, assist affected families, and restore access to affected localities.
The heavy rains have highlighted the vulnerability of Guinea's infrastructure to extreme weather events. The government faces pressure to respond quickly and effectively to the crisis, ensuring the safety and well-being of affected citizens. Relief efforts are underway, but much work remains to be done to restore normalcy to the affected areas.
Key points
- The RN9 road connecting Koundara to the Guinea-Bissau border has been cut off in several areas due to heavy rains and flooding.
- Multiple localities in Koundara prefecture have been isolated, with residents unable to access basic services and markets.
- The government has been urged to intervene and help repair the damaged road and infrastructure to support local commerce and agriculture.
