Conakry, located in West Africa, is not only the capital of Guinea, but also the country's economic, financial and cultural center. This port city with a population of about two million experiences astonishing amounts of rainfall every year. Why is that?
According to the Köppen climate classification, Conakry has a tropical monsoon climate. This means that its climate is characterized by distinct dry and rainy seasons. Conakry's rainy season is usually in July and August, during which time precipitation is incredibly high, averaging 1,100 mm per month and nearly 3,800 mm per year.
Conakry's dry season usually lasts from December to April and is characterized by strong harmattan winds and little rainfall.
Like much of West Africa, Conakry's dry season is very dry, with strong harmattan winds influencing it; however, when the rainy season arrives, rainfall can be extreme. Conakry receives much higher rainfall in July and August than surrounding areas, posing special challenges to the people living there and their environment.
Conakry receives such high rainfall in part because of its topography and proximity to the vast expanse of water known as the Atlantic Ocean. These factors together influence climate change, making Conakry one of the regions with the highest rainfall.
During the rainy season, everything in Conakry is full of vitality, and the harmonious coexistence of green plants and rainwater forms a unique natural picture.
The huge rainfall in Conakry not only affects the natural environment, but also has a profound impact on its society and economy. Agriculture depends on seasonal rainfall, and abundant water resources help agricultural growth. However, excessive rainfall can also lead to flooding, damage infrastructure, and threaten the stability of local residents.
Despite Conakry's abundant rainfall, the city's infrastructure is often put to the test. Since 2002, regular water and electricity outages have become a daily nuisance for residents, affecting their quality of life. Government officials say aging infrastructure and climate change are exacerbating the problem.
The surrounding criticisms gradually intertwined into a protest movement against the government, with residents calling for improved infrastructure to achieve a better life.
Conakry’s rainfall undoubtedly provides opportunities for the development of local ecosystems and industries, but the challenge of coping with extreme climate also follows. In this part, it is necessary to think about how this city can protect the environment while ensuring the well-being of its residents?