In a display of solidarity, President Julius Maada Bio of Sierra Leone, through Health Minister, Austin Demby, has mobilized top medical personnel, two Mobile Health buses, two ambulances, and crucial medical supplies to aid Guinea in the aftermath of a devastating fire disaster.
This revelation is made in a post shared on X formally Twitter by the Ministry of Health.
“In solidarity with #Guinea, Government of Sierra Leone @PresidentBio through #MoH @DembyAustin has dispatched top medical personnel, along with two Mobile Health buses, two ambulances and medical supplies to respond to the recent fire disaster in Guinea,” the Tweet reads.
The incident, which occurred on Monday in Conakry, Guinea, resulted in a tragic toll of 13 lives lost and 88 reported injuries. The explosion at Conakry’s main oil terminal sent shockwaves through the Kaloum administrative district, causing extensive damage to homes and prompting mass evacuations. Concerns loom over potential repercussions for the broader population.
Despite successfully containing the blaze by Monday afternoon, the government in Guinea is launching an investigation into the unknown origin of the fire. Guinea, heavily dependent on imports stored in the Kaloum terminal, faces potential consequences that could directly impact its citizens.
As the investigation unfolds, questions about the incident’s cause and responsibility persist, leaving a community in mourning and others anxious about potential fuel price spikes on the black market. The ripple effect has led to the closure of schools, gas stations, and businesses, urging workers to stay home. In Mamou, approximately 260 km from Conakry, gas stations face besiegement due to concerns over fuel shortages.
Sierra Leone’s swift response underscores the regional unity in times of crisis, emphasizing the importance of cross-border support during challenging times.