Flooding and landslides triggered by several days of heavy rainfall in the capitals of Ghana and Ivory Coast have reportedly caused the deaths of at least 24 individuals. Authorities confirmed the tragic incidents on Tuesday as emergency response teams continued their operations to rescue residents stranded in inundated buildings.

In Ghana, the official toll stands at 12 fatalities, while multiple reports from Ivory Coast indicate that over a dozen people have died, with significant flooding impacting large areas of both Accra and Abidjan. Various roads and buildings have been submerged, leading to obstructed access to several regions as rescue teams strive to reach individuals trapped by the rising waters.

On Monday, areas in Accra were reported to be completely underwater, affecting access to parts of the city and its neighbouring area, Tema. Alex King Nartey, a spokesperson for the Ghana National Fire Service, mentioned that among the deceased were a mother and her child, who lost their lives in the Achimota-Agbogbloshie district.

Rescue Operations in Affected Areas

Footage from Accra has depicted residents navigating through neck-deep water in efforts to assist neighbours in distress, with many vehicles abandoned on flooded streets. Nartey described access to the impacted neighbourhoods as a “big problem” and noted that the military had been called in to assist emergency services.

Despite ongoing rescue efforts, many neighbourhoods remained partially flooded by Tuesday morning. The Ghana National Disaster Management Organisation reported receiving emergency calls starting at 7 am on Monday, as residents became aware of floodwaters encroaching upon their homes. Mariam Dongyela Millah, the agency’s deputy director of communications, termed the extent of the flooding as “alarming.”

The Ghana Meteorological Agency has issued warnings to the residents of Accra, advising them to prepare for additional rainfall expected later this week, which may complicate the ongoing rescue efforts.

Impact of Flooding in Ivory Coast

In Ivory Coast, the persistent heavy rain has resulted in flooding situations that have left more than a dozen individuals dead, primarily in the municipalities of Attcoub and Yopougon, as stated by Myss Belmonde Dogo, the Minister of National Cohesion. Local news sources indicated that at least nine fatalities occurred when individuals became trapped beneath the rubble in the Mossikro neighbourhood after rain began on Saturday.

The ongoing flooding crisis in both Accra and Abidjan has significantly disrupted everyday life and emergency access in the affected regions. With the continued risk of more rain anticipated in Ghana, emergency teams remain focused on carrying out rescue operations and providing support to those impacted by the flooding.

The floods have highlighted the vulnerabilities in urban infrastructure as both cities face challenges in managing extreme weather events. Authorities are pressed to devise strategic responses to prevent future catastrophes amidst shifting climate patterns.

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