Ivory Coast: Dozens of deaths since the start of the rainy season

Floods have claimed the lives of at least 59 people in Ivory Coast since the start of the particularly heavy rainy season in mid-May, according to a government spokesperson. This figure was announced during a cabinet meeting held on Wednesday, marking one of the highest death tolls recorded so far this year despite the season still being in its early stages. The spokesperson, Amadou Coulibaly, emphasized that the situation has worsened due to climate disruptions, which have intensified rainfall patterns over recent years.

The rainy season in Ivory Coast typically runs from late May to late July, bringing with it frequent landslides and floods that disproportionately affect poorer neighborhoods. These areas often lack proper infrastructure and drainage systems, making them highly vulnerable to waterlogging and subsequent disasters. In Abidjan, the economic capital with a population exceeding six million, the impact has been particularly severe. Over ten people were reported dead within just two days following torrential rains earlier in the week, highlighting the rapid escalation of the crisis.

Urban expansion has significantly contributed to the vulnerability of certain communities. Rapid growth has led to the proliferation of informal settlements in low-lying and flood-prone regions around Abidjan. Many of these areas have been targeted by government-led eviction campaigns aimed at clearing hazardous zones. These operations, referred to as “déguerpissements,” involve the forced removal of residents from neighborhoods deemed unsafe due to their susceptibility to flooding. However, some individuals have returned to previously cleared sites, increasing their exposure to risk.

According to Coulibaly, the most affected area has been the neighborhood of Attecoube in western Abidjan, where approximately twenty fatalities have been recorded. He noted that many of those who perished had ignored relocation orders issued by authorities. Despite efforts to mitigate risks, the government acknowledges that some families have disappeared entirely, underscoring the gravity of the situation. To address this, officials have pledged to construct 12,000 new homes to accommodate 60,000 displaced residents.

The issue of forced evictions has drawn criticism from human rights organizations such as Amnesty International, which has raised concerns about potential violations of fundamental rights affecting thousands of Ivorians. Critics argue that while the government aims to reduce disaster risks, the methods employed can exacerbate social inequalities and push marginalized groups further into hardship.

Beyond Ivory Coast, similar challenges have emerged in neighboring countries. In Ghana, twelve people have lost their lives due to recent flooding, prompting President John Dramani Mahama to allocate emergency funds and deploy military and police forces to assist in relief efforts. Meanwhile, Lagos, Nigeria’s economic hub, has experienced significant flooding without any reported casualties thus far.

As the rainy season continues, the focus remains on managing the immediate aftermath of the floods and preparing for future occurrences. Authorities are working to improve infrastructure and implement better warning systems to protect vulnerable populations. However, long-term solutions will require addressing underlying issues such as inadequate urban planning and climate change impacts, which continue to pose threats to communities across West Africa.