Guinea's humanitarian needs remain unmet following recent floods, UN reports

Guinea's humanitarian needs remain unmet following last month's severe floods in the eastern part of the country, the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) said today.

Describing the disastrous effects of the floods, OCHA warned that the potable water sources could be polluted, giving rise to a deterioration in the sanitation and hygiene conditions in the affected area, known as Haute Guinée, which is the poorest part of the country. In addition, the school system there will suffer because numerous classrooms were destroyed in the calamity.

While noting that the Guinean Government has the primary responsibility for providing assistance to affected populations, OCHA said international aid must eventually help to complement these actions.

OCHA's appraisal was based on the findings of a mission to the region conducted from 21 to 25 October by a UN Disaster Assessment and Coordination Team. According to Government estimates, the floods affected more than 200,000 people to different degrees, including many who were displaced from their homes.