ABIDJAN – At least 59 people have been killed and dozens more injured after days of torrential rain triggered severe flooding and landslides across Abidjan, Ivory Coast’s economic capital, officials confirmed Tuesday.
The deaths occurred between Friday and Monday as seasonal downpours overwhelmed drainage systems in low-lying districts, according to the National Office for Civil Protection. Several neighborhoods including Yopougon, Abobo, and Adjamé were hit hardest, with homes collapsing and roads washed away.
Landslides Bury Homes
In Attécoubé, a hillside community, a landslide in the early hours of Monday buried multiple structures while families slept. Local residents and emergency crews recovered 22 bodies from the site.
“We heard the ground roar. By the time we ran out, the houses next door were gone,” said Mariam Koné, who lost three relatives.
Infrastructure Overwhelmed
Abidjan recorded over 300mm of rain in 72 hours, officials said. The Banco River and several drainage channels overflowed, submerging major routes and cutting off access to hospitals. Videos shared online showed cars swept through streets and residents using boats to navigate flooded avenues.
The Ministry of Transport closed sections of the Northern Highway after portions collapsed. Power cuts affected over 200,000 households as substations flooded.
Government Response
President Alassane Ouattara called the situation “a national tragedy” and declared three days of mourning. The government has deployed military engineers and firefighters to assist with rescue efforts and has opened emergency shelters in schools and community centers.
Interior Minister Vagondo Diomandé said rescue operations are ongoing. “We fear the death toll could rise. Some areas are still inaccessible,” he told reporters Tuesday.
Health officials warned of potential outbreaks of waterborne disease and urged residents in flood zones to boil drinking water.
Recurring Crisis
Abidjan, home to over 6 million people, faces flooding almost every rainy season. Rapid urbanization, construction on waterways, and clogged drains have worsened the impact of heavy rains.
In June 2024, 18 people died in similar floods. The World Bank estimates that flooding costs Ivory Coast $1.2 billion annually in damages and lost productivity.
The government launched the Abidjan Drainage Master Plan in 2021, but implementation has been slow. Urban planners say illegal structures in flood plains and improper waste disposal continue to block drainage channels.
Relief Efforts
The Ivorian Red Cross and UN agencies have begun distributing food, blankets, and medical kits. The Ministry of Solidarity said it has released emergency funds for affected families.
Meteorologists forecast more rain through the week. Authorities have asked residents in high-risk zones to evacuate to designated shelters.
This is a developing story. Updates will follow as more information becomes available.