The torrential rains of June 21 were the heaviest recorded since the beginning of the rainy season in the country, with nearly 200 mm of water in less than 24 hours in several neighbourhoods of Abidjan and near-urban areas.
This is the equivalent of several weeks of rain that caused major flooding and landslides. Waterspouts and mud and rock flows caused loss of life and serious material damage.
In the 10 localities affected, the damage recorded thanks to the rapid assessment made by the Red Cross Society of Côte d’Ivoire (RCSCI) includes the destruction of 134 houses and 11 schools, the collapse of roads, flooding of markets, contamination of wells, etc.
The heavy flooding led to the breaking of water pipes, thereby further increasing the water level in the communities.
Ten localities were affected, including five in the hinterland (Alépé, Azaguié, Bonoua, Dabou, and Grand-Bassam) and five in Abidjan (Abobo, Anyama, Attécoubé, Bingerville, and Port-Bouët).
A total of 11 478 people, an estimated 1 913 households were affected by the disaster. The damage recorded and the water situation severely affected the living conditions, hygiene and access to basic necessities, food and non-food items and other goods.
Some 403 households or 2 418 people – are still without shelter, as their houses were destroyed or still flooded. Although 97 inhabitants were able to return to their homes with the first aid of the Red Cross after the waters were evacuated, other households are still relocated in host families.
To date, 114 injured were registered and have received first aid; and 13 people died in less than 7 days, with 6 being swept away by landslides following the heavy rains on 16 June in western Abidjan.
In terms of the number of deaths, the situation is more serious than in previous rainy seasons, this is a major concern to the government.
Since the 16 June heavy rains including torrential rains on 21 June with nearly 200 mm of water in less than 24 hours, equivalent to several weeks of rain, have caused major flooding and landslides in several neighbourhoods of Abidjan.
To date, 15 people died and 114 were injured. A total of 11,478 people are affected and need emergency assistance including shelter for 2,418 people who lost their houses.
