Rains complicate delivery of Ebola supplies in West Africa

Newly appointed US State Department's envoy to co-ordinate its Ebola response, Nancy Powell, says the rainy season in West Africa is compounding difficulties in getting supplies delivered and new treatment centres built.

She said the top priority is to isolate many people as quickly as possible.

But that faces significant logistical hurdles.

The July to September rainy season is coming toward its end, but October is known for heavy thunderstorms that can drench the region and turn roads to mud.

Executive Director of Emergency USA, Eric Talbert, who opened a 22-bed Ebola treatment center in Goderich, outside Sierra Leone’s capital Freetown said the downpours complicate getting supplies along unpaved roads.

NEWS24