Cote d'Ivoire: Disruptions due to flooding and landslides ongoing in Abidjan and surrounding areas as of June 22

Event

Disruptions are ongoing across parts of Abidjan and surrounding areas as of June 22 after heavy rainfall triggered flooding and landslides in the region. Heavy downpours overnight June 20-21 saw rainfall totals of over 15 cm (6 inches) in parts of the capital. As of June 22, authorities have reported at least seven fatalities in flooding- and landslide-related incidents. Four people died when their house collapsed in a landslide in Bingerville Commune. Two people were also swept away by floodwaters in Bingerville. Another flood-related fatality was reported in M'Badon in Cocody Commune and one person has been reported missing in N'Dotre to the north of the capital. Flooding and landslides have damaged roads in many areas of the capital, including Bingerville, Cocody, Plateau, and Yopougun communes. A landslide on the coast road between St Paul's Cathedral and Felix Houphouet-Bigny Stadium in the busy Plateau district lead to traffic disruption in central parts of Abidjan June 21.

Further heavy rainfall and thunderstorms are forecast over Abidjan in the coming days and could trigger additional landslides and flooding. Further adverse weather is likely during the annual rainy season during June through October.

Hazardous Conditions
Further sustained heavy rainfall could trigger 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 located 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.

Transport
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. Flooding could block regional rail lines; freight and passenger train delays and cancellations are likely in areas that see heavy rainfall and potential track inundation.

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.

Advice

Monitor local media for weather updates and related advisories. Confirm all transport reservations and business appointments before travel. Make allowances for localized travel delays and potential supply chain disruptions where flooding has been forecast. Do not drive on flooded roads. Charge battery-powered devices in the case of prolonged electricity outages.