At least 59 people have been confirmed dead after devastating floods swept through Abidjan, the economic capital of Ivory Coast, following several days of torrential rainfall.
According to Sky News, the death toll was confirmed by Ivorian government spokesperson Amadou Coulibaly, who warned that the number of fatalities could rise as rescue and search operations continue.
The flooding and landslides were triggered by heavy rains that began on Saturday, June 27, 2026, inundating several communities across Abidjan and leaving widespread destruction in their wake.
Authorities said emergency response teams are continuing to search affected areas amid fears that more victims could be trapped.
The country’s Minister of National Cohesion indicated that some of the fatalities were recorded in the municipalities of Attécoubé and Yopougon, two of the worst-hit areas in the commercial capital.
The disaster has displaced residents, damaged homes and disrupted transportation in several parts of the city as emergency services continue relief operations.
The tragedy in Ivory Coast comes just hours after deadly flooding also struck neighbouring Ghana.
On June 29, heavy rainfall submerged large parts of Accra and surrounding communities, leaving roads impassable, damaging homes and forcing hundreds of residents to flee rising floodwaters.
Videos circulating on social media showed residents swimming through neck-deep water to rescue stranded neighbours, while numerous vehicles were abandoned on flooded streets.
Ghana’s Ministry of the Interior has confirmed that at least 12 people lost their lives in the floods, with several others initially reported missing as rescue operations continued.
The twin flood disasters have once again highlighted the growing vulnerability of West African cities to extreme weather, poor drainage infrastructure and rapid urbanisation.
