Heavy rain has once again caused flooding and landslides in Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire (Ivory Coast), where authorities say at least 6 people have died. This is the second spate of flooding to hit the city in the last 7 days.

Flood damage in Abidjan, Ivory Coast, June 2022. Photo: Government of Côte d’Ivoire

Heavy rainfall overnight from 20 to 21 June 2022 triggered flash flooding and landslides in parts of Abidjan. According to data from the Ivory Coast meteorological agency, parts of Yopougon recorded 161 mm of rain and Cocody 158 mm in 12 hours to early 21 June.

As of 21 June, the Civil Protection Agency reported 6 people had died including 4 children aged 4 to 15, all from the same family, who lost their lives in the village of Angorankoi in the commune of Bingerville, after part of their house collapsed due to rising waters.

A government delegation visited the site of the incident on 21 June, concluding there are still enormous risks to the resident population who should be moved to a more secure site in order to avoid further tragedies.

Flooding damaged homes and roads in other areas of Bingerville commune, situated to the east of the city. Residents were forced to take refuge on the roofs or upper floors of their homes. Two people died in separate incidents after being swept away by flood waters. One of the victims was in a vehicle at the time.

Civil Defence reported flooding in other neighbourhoods of Abidjan left several key roads unusable. Firefighters reported they rescued over 90 people in different areas including Yopougon, Bingerville and Cocody.

Last week 6 people died in a landslide in Mossikro in the commune of Attécoubé, Abidjan after heavy rainfall on 16 June 2022.