Severe floods and landslides have killed at least 24 people over a 10-day period in Abidjan, the largest city in Ivory Coast, authorities reported on Monday.
The West African nation’s economic capital experienced an unprecedented start to the rainy season, with rainfall nearly four times the usual amount. This led to dramatic increases in water levels and landslides.
The National Office for Civil Protection (ONPC) confirmed the fatalities following torrential rains from June 13 to June 22, and warned of the potential for building collapses.
Additionally, two individuals remain missing after being swept away by the waters, according to the ONPC’s statement.
This update follows an earlier report by the fire service on June 15, which had recorded eight deaths due to the intense rainfall.
The national meteorological service, Sodexam, noted that around a quarter of the expected rainfall for the entire three-month rainy season fell within a single 24-hour period.
In the Yopougon district, Sodexam measured 214 millimetres (8.4 inches) of rain in one day, significantly higher than the normal 50 millimetres (two inches).
Flooding and subsequent destruction are common in Abidjan, a city of nearly six million people, many of whom live in vulnerable, flood-prone areas despite government efforts to clear such settlements.
In 2023, heavy rains and related incidents caused the deaths of at least 30 people in Ivory Coast.
