Heavy rains cause deadly flooding in Ivory Coast and Ghana

Persistent torrential rains have caused severe flooding and landslides in Ivory Coast, resulting in at least 59 deaths according to government spokesperson Amadou Coulibaly. Authorities warn that the death toll may rise as search and rescue operations continue in the capital, Abidjan. In neighboring Ghana, the capital city of Accra has also experienced catastrophic flooding, leading to reports of between three and twelve fatalities. Rescue teams are using boats to evacuate residents, including 15 children and an infant rescued in the Teshie-Nungua area. Local reports indicate that some deaths in Accra were caused by electrocution from exposed power lines during the flooding. The event has caused significant infrastructure damage, power outages, and business disruptions across both countries. Officials in Ghana have attributed the recurring severity of the floods to rapid urbanization and inadequate drainage infrastructure. Government agencies and security forces in both nations are currently engaged in ongoing relief efforts.