Togo: Disruptions due to flooding ongoing across parts of Lome as of late May 25

Disruptions due to flooding are ongoing across Lome as of late May 25. Heavy rain May 22 and further rainfall May 25 have triggered widespread flooding across the city, with Golfe 5, 7, and Agoe-Nyive 4 communes being the worst affected. The flooding has caused transport disruptions and damaged properties in the affected areas. There have been no reported casualties. Response operations are ongoing, and lingering disruptions are likely in flood-affected areas over the coming days; additional heavy downpours will likely exacerbate the flood situation and hamper ongoing response and recovery efforts.

Further sustained heavy rainfall could trigger additional flooding in low-lying communities near rivers, streams, and creeks. Urban flooding is also possible in developed areas with easily overwhelmed stormwater drainage systems. Sites downstream from large reservoirs or rivers may be subject to flash flooding after relatively short periods of intense rainfall. Landslides are possible in hilly or mountainous areas, especially where heavy rainfall has saturated the soil.

Authorities could issue mandatory evacuation orders for flood-prone communities over the coming days. Disruptions to electricity and telecommunications services are possible where significant flooding or landslides impact utility networks.

Floodwaters and debris flows may render some bridges, rail networks, or roadways impassable, impacting overland travel in and around affected areas. Ponding on road surfaces could cause hazardous driving conditions on regional highways. Authorities could temporarily close some low-lying routes that become inundated by floodwaters.

Localized business disruptions may occur in low-lying areas; some businesses might not operate at full capacity because of flood damage to facilities, possible evacuations, and some employees' inability to reach work sites.