PORT-GENTIL, November 5 (AGP) – Following the torrential rain which fell on Port-Gentil, capital of the province of Ogooué-Maritime (West), this Tuesday, November 5, many public infrastructures , schools and houses were flooded, revealing the vulnerability of certain infrastructures, it was noted.
Among the structures hardest hit are the Regional Health Directorate (DRS) and several educational establishments, notably the Ngadi public school, the Delta high school and college, as well as the Joseph Avaro Ambourouet high school, which are today in great difficulty.
These floods not only disrupted activities, but also raised questions about the resilience of infrastructure in a city, where precipitation is sometimes intense and frequent.
At the Regional Health Directorate, essential equipment came into contact with water, compromising the working day and certainly affecting the continuity of health services, essential at this critical moment.
« Due to bad weather, the Regional Maritime Health Directorate is currently flooded. The premises are without electricity. Consequently, activities are severely disrupted,” lamented regional health director Raïssa Johnson.
In primary and secondary schools, classrooms are waterlogged, impacting the safety and well-being of students and teachers.
PMA/ZSO/DT/EN
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Interview between Time.news Editor and Disaster Management Expert
Time.news Editor: Good afternoon, and thank you for joining us today. We are here with Dr. Clara Mensah, a leading expert in disaster management and urban resilience, to discuss the recent flooding in Port-Gentil, Ogooué-Maritime. Dr. Mensah, could you start by giving us your assessment of the situation following the torrential rains on November 5?
Dr. Clara Mensah: Good afternoon, and thank you for having me. The situation in Port-Gentil is quite concerning. The heavy rainfall has exposed the vulnerabilities in the region’s infrastructure. The flooding of critical public facilities like the Regional Health Directorate and multiple schools shows how unprepared we are for extreme weather events that are becoming more common due to climate change.
Time.news Editor: The impact on educational establishments seems particularly dire. Could you elaborate on how the flooding affects schools like the Ngadi public school and Delta high school?
Dr. Clara Mensah: Absolutely. When schools are flooded, the immediate loss is educational continuity for the students. Facilities become unusable, which can disrupt classes for weeks or even months. Additionally, the psychological impact on students and teachers can be profound. These institutions often serve as community hubs, so their flooding also affects community engagement and support systems.
Time.news Editor: It sounds like the repercussions of such disasters go beyond just physical damage. In your opinion, what can be done to improve the resilience of infrastructure in Port-Gentil to withstand future flooding events?
Dr. Clara Mensah: There are several steps that can be taken. Firstly, we need to invest in better drainage systems and flood defenses tailored to the unique geography of the area. Secondly, public infrastructure and buildings should be retrofitted to be flood-resistant. Lastly, there must be a comprehensive disaster preparedness plan that includes community training and awareness campaigns to improve response times when such events occur.
Time.news Editor: Those solutions sound promising. However, implementing them requires resources. What role do you think government and international organizations should play in supporting the affected regions?
Dr. Clara Mensah: Government support is crucial, but it must be strategic. International organizations can provide funding and expertise, particularly through adaptive measures to climate change. Collaboration between local authorities and international NGOs can mobilize resources effectively. In the long run, sustainable infrastructure development should be prioritized to protect both people and property.
Time.news Editor: Given the current circumstances, what can residents do to safeguard themselves and their properties against future flooding incidents?
Dr. Clara Mensah: Residents can take a proactive approach. This includes creating drainage channels around their properties, elevating critical utilities, and being part of community groups focused on disaster preparedness. Staying informed about weather conditions and local government alerts is also essential. Community solidarity plays a key role in ensuring the safety and resilience of everyone involved.
Time.news Editor: Thank you, Dr. Mensah, for shedding light on this pressing issue. Your insights are invaluable as we navigate these challenging times in Port-Gentil and beyond.
Dr. Clara Mensah: Thank you for having me. I hope we can work together to create a more resilient future.
Time.news Editor: And thank you to our audience for tuning in. Stay safe and informed.