Côte d’Ivoire – at Least 18 Killed in Abidjan Floods

At least 18 people have died in flooding in the department of Abidjan in the Côte d’Ivoire (Ivory Coast).

The Country’s National Civil Protection Office (ONPC) said that heavy rainfall that began during the evening of 18 June 2018 resulted in flooding that caused at least 18 deaths and severe material damage. As of 19 June, 115 people had been rescued from the floods and provided with shelter by authorities.

Local media said that deaths occurred in Riviera Allabra, Riviera Palmeraie, Mossikro and Paillet. Other affected districts include Yopougon and Ananeraie.

After calling a Crisis Committee meeting the government announced that it will work with local governments to ensure the safety of residents in affected areas. The government also gave out emergency telephone contact numbers.The Prime Minister, Amadou Gon Coulibaly, called on people to be vigilant and cautious.

Rainfall totals were unavailable for Abidjan as of 19 June, although local media said that around a week’s worth of rain fell in 4 hours. According to WMO figures, Adiaké, a town about 75 km east of Abidjan, recorded 113 mm of rain in 24 hours to 19 January, 2018.

The meteorological department in Côte d’Ivoire has issued a red alert and said heavy rain is likely to continue into the coming days bringing a high risk of further flooding.

Heavy rainfall in the Abidjan between 10 and 11 May caused severe flooding, wreaking havoc on the city’s streets, leaving over 30 vehicles trapped and 2 people dead.

Social Media

Pensée pour mes voisins ainsi que ceux qui n'ont pas de logement décent en cette période de forte intempéries et d'inondations #pluiesdiluviennes #CIV #palmeraie #2247 pic.twitter.com/CZAHohI4rG

— BAH Sekou lulu (@Lulubakri) June 19, 2018

#Côte-d'Ivoire #Inondation #Abidjan. Bilan 15 morts. pic.twitter.com/dDtfJ9mAuW

— Souleymane Ag Anara (@ag_anara) June 19, 2018

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