There is sadness and dismay in Yiriko. This village in the commune of Koulinto, in the department of Medina Yoro Foulah, was devastated by a fire. The granaries full of millet, sorghum and corn, clothes and other commodities were consumed by the flames, in this hamlet of more than two hundred souls. However, no human losses have been reported. The victims are now spending the night under the stars.

For the moment, it is difficult to assess the losses. The fire, aided by the violence of the wind, was however controlled by the populations of the surrounding villages who used rudimentary means. The locals are thus calling on the fire brigade based in Kolda to broaden its scope of action.

This fire brings back to the table the nagging question of providing the new department of Medina Yoro Foulah with all the infrastructure to assist populations in search of well-being.