Benin: Severe flooding in Cotonou June 6

Event

Significant flooding is currently affecting Cotonou as of Tuesday, June 6. The Agla, Fidjrossè, and Avotrou districts are reportedly the most affected and cannot be accessed. Several houses, streets, and highways across the city are flooded. Expect increase traffic disruption across the city in the coming days.

Context

Flooding is recurrent during the rainy season (April to October in the South; June to September in the North). Due to the lack of adequate water drainage infrastructures, roads are often impassable and several cities/villages are flooded during the season.

Advice

Individuals present in Cotonou are advised to monitor the situation via local media, the authorities, reliable weather reporting outlets, and to adhere to any orders issued by the local authorities. Individuals should expect disruptions, restricted services as well as various inconveniences. Remember that driving or walking through running water can be dangerous; 15 cm (6 in) of running water is enough to knock an adult over.