Heavy rainfall has triggered deadly flooding across parts of West Africa, leaving dozens dead in Ivory Coast and Ghana, while millions remain at risk as more rain is forecast.
Heavy rainfall has triggered widespread flooding across several West African countries, leaving dozens of people dead in Ivory Coast and Ghana as authorities warn of more downpours in the coming days.
Local authorities reported on Wednesday that the floods have affected parts of Ivory Coast, Ghana and Benin, with the humanitarian situation expected to worsen as the rainy season continues.
In Ivory Coast, government officials said 59 people have died since the rainy season began in May due to flooding and related incidents.
Neighbouring Ghana also recorded fatalities after torrential rainfall inundated communities earlier this week.
According to local authorities, 12 people lost their lives following severe flooding that struck the country at the start of the week.
On Monday, heavy rains submerged large sections of the capital, Accra, and surrounding areas, disrupting movement and causing extensive damage.
Benin has also experienced flooding as persistent rainfall continues to affect communities along the Gulf of Guinea.
Weather forecasts indicate that further heavy rainfall is expected across the West African coastline over the coming days, raising concerns about additional flooding.
The United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) estimates that about 7.5 million people across the region are at risk of flooding during the current rainy season.
The rainy season in Gulf of Guinea countries, including Ivory Coast, Ghana and Benin, typically runs from April to August and again between October and November.
In the Sahel region, including countries such as Mali and Senegal, most annual rainfall usually falls between June and September.
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