Death Toll Rises In Ivory Coast’s Flood, Landslide Disaster

Abidjan, the largest city in Ivory Coast, has been ravaged by severe flooding and landslides, leaving a trail of destruction and claiming at least 24 lives.

The disaster has been triggered by a week of torrential rains, with some areas receiving four times the usual amount of rainfall.

The Ivorian meteorological agency described the recent rainfall as “particularly violent,” with over 200 millimeters (8 inches) of rain pounding some districts.

The deluge has caused widespread devastation, flooding houses and roads, and landslides have further exacerbated the situation.

The informal settlements in Abidjan have been the hardest hit, as poor storm drainage and haphazard construction have made them vulnerable to flood-related disasters.

The Ivory Coast National Office for Civil Protection reported “significant” damage across the city, with many residents trapped in their homes.

However, rescue efforts have been successful in saving at least 271 people who were stranded due to the floods.

The authorities have been working tirelessly to evacuate those affected and provide aid to the displaced.

Diaspora Digital Media gathered this not the first time Ivory Coast has experienced flood-related deaths during the rainy season.

Last year, officials took measures to prevent such disasters by demolishing houses built along a lagoon in Abidjan.

The recent flooding has raised concerns about the need for more effective urban planning and infrastructure development in Abidjan to mitigate the impact of heavy rains.

As the city struggles to recover from the devastation, the government and humanitarian organizations are working together to provide support to those affected and implement measures to prevent such disasters in the future.

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