Torrential rains trigger deadly floods in parts of Ivory Coast, including capital Abidjan

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