Death toll rises across the region
At least 59 people have died in flooding across Ivory Coast since heavy rains began in May, the government confirmed Wednesday. Government spokesman Amadou Coulibaly said the toll was announced after a cabinet meeting, as rescue crews continued to respond to the crisis. The flooding has affected multiple regions of the country, with the economic capital Abidjan among the hardest hit.
Ghana also hit hard
In neighboring Ghana, at least 12 people have died in flash floods that submerged buildings and roads in Accra and the nearby city of Tema. The Ghana National Fire Service confirmed the deaths on Wednesday, as hundreds of stranded residents were rescued from flooded structures. The torrential rains have cut off access to several areas and damaged infrastructure across both countries.
Climate change amplifies seasonal risks
Ivory Coast's rainy season, which runs from May through late July, routinely produces flooding and landslides that kill dozens each year. However, experts say climate change is intensifying rainfall patterns across West Africa, making seasonal floods more destructive. The region's rapid urbanization has also increased vulnerability, with many residents living in informal settlements built in flood-prone areas with inadequate drainage.