Torrential rains over the past couple of days have triggered deadly flooding in parts of the southern Ivory Coast, including capital Abidjan. The city recorded more than 260 mm of rain (10 inches) in a 48-hour period to June 15, 2020, which is nearly half its average June rainfall of 562 mm (22 inches).
At least one person lost his life while several others were injured as flooding swept through the city, causing damage and blocking roads.
Among the worst-affected areas are André Château d´Eau, Abobo-Belleville, and Riviera Palmeraie. Some areas even reported landslides.
The Civil Protection of Ivory Coast (ONPC) reported flooding in Grand-Bassam, a coastal town near Abidjan, and in Adiake Department, east along the coast. Adiake received 106 mm (4 inches) of rain in a 24-hour period to June 16.
Firefighters were deployed to conduct several rescues on June 15. ONPC added that floodwaters caused property damage in the area but no fatalities were reported.
Other areas in the southwest region also felt the impact of the severe weather. According to Agence Ivoirienne de Presse (AIP), the Cavalla River rose to extremely high levels in the Tabou Department. The area recorded more than 210 mm (8 inches) of rain in 48 hours to June 15.
AIP added that in the northeast region, heavy rain and flooding blocked roads in the Tehini department, cutting off communities in Tougbo.
Featured image credit: ONPC
6th impressive paroxysm at Etna volcano, Italy
February 25, 2021
This is the 6th paroxysmal eruptive episode at Etna volcano, Italy since February 16, 2021. After 5 impressive paroxysms, the activity at the volcano intensified again at 19:00 UTC on February 24 and evolved into another spectacular event. Video courtesy Gio Giusa...
Highly radioactive cesium detected in northeastern Fukushima, Japan
February 24, 2021
Radioactive cesium fivefold higher the permitted levels have been detected in a black rockfish found in northeastern Fukushima Prefecture in Japan, a local fishing association announced on Monday, February 22, 2021. Roughly 500 becquerels per kilogram of cesium was...
State of emergency declared in Madre de Dios as severe flooding leaves 15 000 people affected, Peru
February 23, 2021
Heavy rainfall since mid-February has triggered widespread, severe flooding in Madre de Dios, Peru, leaving at least 15 000 people affected and thousands of property damage. This has prompted the government to declare a state of emergency for the region for 60 days....
Persistent flooding damages thousands of homes and wide swaths of land in southern Mozambique
February 17, 2021
Persistent flooding in southern Mozambique has caused damage to around 4 200 homes and more than 54 000 ha (133 400 acres) of agricultural land. Heavy rains have been affecting the southern areas of the country, falling on grounds already saturated by downpours...
Historic cold temps and snow in Wichita, Kansas
February 16, 2021
The incredibly historic winter storm continued its assault in southern Kansas on the morning of February 15, 2021, adding another 25 mm (1 inch) or more of snow during the Monday morning commute. Traffic was lighter than normal thanks to the holiday, but icy...