Floods Kill Dozens Across Ivory Coast, Ghana as Heavy Rains Batter West Africa

At least 71 people have died following days of torrential rainfall and flooding across parts of West Africa, with Ivory Coast and Ghana among the hardest-hit countries as authorities warn of more heavy rains in the coming days.

In Ivory Coast, government spokesman Amadou Coulibaly said 59 people have died since the start of the rainy season in May. 

He disclosed the latest figures after a meeting of the Council of Ministers, describing the death toll as alarming and urging residents living in high-risk areas to comply with government evacuation directives. Authorities said the worst-hit communities include Attécoubé, Yopougon, Cocody, Bingerville, Songon and Treichville in the commercial capital, Abidjan.

In neighbouring Ghana, at least 12 people were killed after heavy rains triggered widespread flooding in Accra and the nearby city of Tema. 

According to the Ghana National Fire Service, roads and residential areas were submerged, hampering rescue operations and forcing emergency responders to seek military support in some affected communities.

Authorities in Benin have also reported flooding following persistent rainfall, while meteorological agencies have warned that additional downpours are expected across the Gulf of Guinea coastline over the coming days. 

According to the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA), about 7.5 million people across the region are at risk of flooding during the current rainy season. 

The World Meteorological Organization (WMO) has also warned that African countries remain among the most vulnerable to extreme weather events despite contributing only a small fraction of global greenhouse gas emissions. 

The rainy season across the Gulf of Guinea typically runs from April to August, with a second phase between October and November, while countries in the Sahel, including Mali and Senegal, receive most of their annual rainfall between June and September. 

Emergency management agencies have urged residents living in flood-prone areas to remain vigilant, heed safety advisories and cooperate with evacuation efforts as governments continue to assess the damage and provide assistance to affected communities.