59 dead from floods in Ivory Coast since mid-May

Written by: Mohamed Ragab

The government of Côte d'Ivoire announced that the death toll from the floods that swept through the country since mid-May has risen to 59, amid continued heavy rainfall that caused residential areas to flood and landslides, amid warnings of a possible increase in the number of victims in the coming weeks.

Government spokesperson Amadou Coulibaly said, following a cabinet meeting, that the authorities are monitoring the developments of the situation on the ground, expressing the government's regret over the increasing number of victims during the current rainy season, which usually lasts from May to July.

Abidjan most affected by floods

The economic capital, Abidjan, witnessed the most violent floods, especially in the communes of Attécoubé and Yopougon. Continuous rains caused roads and homes to be submerged and a number of buildings to collapse, resulting in casualties and injuries, in addition to the displacement of several families from low-lying areas.

Rescue and civil defense teams continue their search for missing persons, in addition to providing humanitarian aid to those affected and removing the effects of floods from the affected areas.

Warnings for residents of high-risk areas

The government urged citizens to adhere to safety guidelines, evacuate areas classified as high-risk, and not take the risk of remaining in locations exposed to landslides or floods, with expectations of heavy rainfall continuing in the coming days.

Authorities confirmed that they continue to monitor the situation in coordination with emergency services, in order to limit human and material losses and respond quickly to any developments.

West Africa faces an exceptional rainy season

The effects of heavy rainfall are not limited to Ivory Coast, as several West African countries, including Ghana, Benin, Togo, and Nigeria, are witnessing a wave of floods that have resulted in deaths and caused widespread damage to infrastructure and property.

According to reports, climate change is contributing to an increase in the intensity and frequency of extreme weather events, while problems of haphazard urban sprawl, poor rainwater drainage, and the dumping of waste in waterways are exacerbating the effects of floods in many African cities.

Ivorian authorities continue to assess the extent of flood damage, while implementing urgent interventions to reopen damaged roads and provide aid to affected families.

As the government works to strengthen disaster prevention plans and improve rainwater drainage networks to mitigate the effects of the recurring floods the country experiences each year during the rainy season.