Heavy rainfall in Côte d’Ivoire has resulted in the loss of thirty lives since the start of April, indicating a remarkably severe rainy season, according to Ivorian government spokesperson Amadou Coulibaly. The largest city in Côte d’Ivoire, with a population of nearly six million, has repeatedly experienced torrential rains and devastating floods.
In this rapidly expanding metropolis, there is a prevalence of vulnerable constructions in areas prone to flooding, which are inhabited by impoverished communities.
Addressing this “alarming situation” on Wednesday, Amadou Coulibaly assured that the government would reinforce the pre-positioning of emergency services in high-risk areas and continue demolishing informal housing in these zones.
Significant attention will be devoted to Grand-Bassam, a coastal town near Abidjan, which has recently endured extraordinary flooding.
The months of June and July mark the peak of the rainy season in this tropical country, with an average rainfall of 300 mm recorded in June alone.
Last year, multiple episodes of heavy rainfall claimed the lives of 19 individuals.