A severe flood occurred in the prefecture of Coyah, Guinea, on the night of September 18-19, 2026, resulting in significant damage and displacement. Multiple families were forced to leave their homes as the floodwaters surged through the area. The town of Sambaya was particularly affected, where a bridge collapsed under the pressure of the water. Residents described the night as especially difficult, with rising waters inundating homes and businesses.
Yaya Conté, a witness, recounted the terrifying experience of being trapped near the river as the waters rose. He was at a sales point close to the river when the floodwaters began to rise, and before they could leave, the bridge gave way, sending the nearby bus station into chaos. Vehicles were swept away, and people lost their lives. The authorities eventually launched an evacuation operation to rescue those stranded.
Ousmane Bangoura, the first muezzin of the prefecture, reported losing several belongings, including mattresses and personal effects, as his home was inundated with floodwaters. He called on the authorities to provide assistance to the displaced families and implement measures to prevent future disasters. The impact of the flood was widespread, affecting not only homes but also critical infrastructure.
The primary school in Batouya 1 was also severely affected, with floodwaters destroying a significant portion of its documents and administrative records. The school's director, Mamadouba Camara, stated that essential files, teacher dossiers, student records, and diplomas were all lost in the flood. This incident has raised concerns about the upcoming school year, which may be compromised without prompt assistance.
Sékou Bintou Bangoura, the head of the Centre district, expressed his dismay at the extent of the damage in his area, highlighting both human and material losses. He joined others in calling for aid to be provided to those affected by the flood. Mabinty Sylla, another victim, described a day of despair as part of her home's wall collapsed, leaving her belongings exposed to the elements.
In the aftermath of the flood, several families are struggling to cope, with some taking shelter at the Maison des jeunes in Coyah. The victims are now urging for urgent assistance to mitigate the effects of the flood and restore normal living conditions. The community is coming together to support those in need, but the scale of the disaster requires a significant response from authorities.
As the situation continues to unfold, the people of Coyah prefecture are facing a long road to recovery. The flood has highlighted the need for improved infrastructure and disaster preparedness measures to prevent such tragedies in the future. For now, the focus is on providing aid and support to those affected, with hopes that the community will be able to rebuild and recover in the months to come.
Key points
- The flood in Coyah prefecture has resulted in significant displacement and damage, with multiple families losing their homes and belongings.
- The authorities have been called upon to provide urgent assistance to those affected and to implement measures to prevent future disasters.
- The flood has also had a major impact on local infrastructure, including schools, which may struggle to operate in the coming school year without support.
