Floods in Côte d’Ivoire kill 59 as West Africa faces heavy rains

Authorities across West Africa warn that the region’s rainy season is becoming increasingly lethal, with a surge in flood‑related deaths reported in several countries. Ghana has confirmed 13 fatalities, while neighboring Benin, Togo and Nigeria are also grappling with severe flooding that has displaced thousands and caused extensive damage to infrastructure. In Côte d’Ivoire, the situation is particularly dire: the communication minister, Amadou Coulibaly, told a cabinet meeting in Abidjan that 59 people have died since the onset of the rains in May.

The minister emphasized that the death toll could continue to climb as rescue teams remain active in search‑and‑rescue operations throughout the season, which runs from May to July. Governments in the affected nations are coordinating emergency responses, deploying resources to evacuate residents, provide medical assistance and restore essential services. Officials stress the urgency of preparedness measures as the region confronts the heightened risk of further loss of life and property damage before the rainy period ends.