Côte d'Ivoire: Heavy rains cause widespread flooding and damage in Abidjan on June 25

Event

At least five people were killed on Thursday, June 25, as torrential rains caused widespread flooding and damage in the capital Abidjan. The three-hour afternoon downpour saw up to 1.5m (5 ft) flash flooding in many areas of the city, including the major residential commune of Cocody, while mudslides blocked roads in some suburbs. Dozens of buildings are reported to have been damaged in the flooding.

Emergency services personnel and local authorities are continuing clean up operations across the city on Friday, June 26, and residual disruptions are likely in the near term.

Context

Abidjan experiences frequent flooding during the peak of the rainy season between May and July, with numerous areas of the city being susceptible to flood damage and landslides following heavy downpours.

On June 18, at least 16 people were killed in landslides triggered by flash flooding in Abidjan suburb of Anyama.

Advice

Those in Abidjan should be aware of the potential for localized disruption in the near term, and are advised to monitor developments in their own area of operations and heed any directives issued by local authorities.