Côte d'Ivoire: Landslide in Abidjan suburb kills 13 June 18 /update 1

Event

A landslide in Abidjan's Anyama suburb killed 13 people on Thursday, June 18. Reports indicate that up to 20 houses were swept away in the landslide, and railway tracks were damaged. Other people are thought to be missing and the death toll is set to rise; ten people were also hospitalized from the landslide. Abidjan reportedly received more than three times as much rainfall between Friday, June 12, and Monday, June 15, than is usual. Downpours were reported in other southern parts of the country, including in Soubré (Soubré department), Grand-Bassam (Abidjan), and Adiaké department.

Heavy rain also affected other areas of the country as of June 15 and Tuesday, June 16, including Tabou department in the southwest and in Tehini in the northeast of the country.

Disruptions to travel and infrastructure are to be anticipated in the coming days as a result of the adverse weather.

Context

Torrential rain is common in the south of Côte d'Ivoire, including in Abidjan, during the rainy season (May to November) and can result in major transportation disruptions. This rain often results in flooding as well as mudslides and road closures.

Advice

Individuals present in Côte d'Ivoire are advised to follow all instructions issued by local authorities (e.g. possible evacuation orders), avoid poorer neighborhoods due to infrastructural concerns, and allow for additional travel time. 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.