After Torrential Rains In Ivory Coast, At Least 24 People Were Killed By Landslides And Flooding

At least 24 people have died as a result of flooding and landslides in Abidjan, the capital of Ivory Coast, after a week of intense rains—four times the normal amount in certain areas—officials reported on Tuesday.

Although deaths from flooding during the rainy season are not unusual in this West African nation, the Ivorian meteorological agency reports that the recent rainfall was very intense, with over 200 millimeters (8 inches) falling in several districts—four times the average amount in a single day.

Because homes in informal settlements are sometimes constructed rapidly without following zoning laws, they are especially prone to inadequate storm drainage.

According to the Ivory Coast National Office for Civil Protection, “significant” damage has also been caused by the flooding and landslides throughout the city, flooding roads and homes. It stated that at least 271 people who were stranded by the rains had been safely rescued.

In an attempt to stop catastrophic floods, authorities in Abidjan destroyed homes erected beside a lagoon last year.