Abidjan, Ivory Coast – Torrential rains have triggered devastating landslides in Abidjan, the economic capital of Ivory Coast, resulting in at least 12 fatalities and leaving several people missing. The heavy downpours, which began late Sunday and continued into Monday, caused significant destruction in the city’s densely populated neighborhoods, where precarious housing structures are common.
The worst-hit areas include the slums of Mossikro and Anyama, where makeshift homes were swept away by surging waters and mudslides. Emergency services have been working tirelessly to rescue those trapped under debris and to locate the missing. However, rescue efforts have been hampered by the difficult terrain and ongoing adverse weather conditions.
A local resident, Fatou Bamba, described the chaos as the ground beneath her house gave way. “We heard a loud noise, and then everything started collapsing. People were screaming and running for their lives. It was terrifying,” Bamba recounted, visibly shaken by the ordeal.
The government has declared a state of emergency in the affected areas and has mobilized resources to assist the victims. Prime Minister Patrick Achi visited the disaster sites, offering condolences to the bereaved families and pledging swift action to support the displaced. “We are deeply saddened by this tragedy. Our priority is to ensure the safety and well-being of our citizens. We will do everything in our power to help those affected by this disaster,” Achi stated.
In response to the disaster, the government has set up temporary shelters and is providing food, water, and medical supplies to the affected communities. Additionally, authorities have urged residents in vulnerable areas to evacuate to safer locations as more rains are forecast in the coming days.
Environmental experts attribute the severity of the landslides to a combination of factors, including poor urban planning, deforestation, and climate change. Abidjan, like many other rapidly growing cities in Africa, faces significant challenges in managing urban expansion and protecting its residents from natural disasters.
Dr. Koffi Kouakou, an environmental scientist, emphasized the need for sustainable urban development and robust infrastructure to mitigate the impact of such disasters. “The situation in Abidjan highlights the urgent need for comprehensive urban planning and disaster management strategies. We must address the underlying causes, such as deforestation and inadequate drainage systems, to prevent future tragedies,” Dr. Kouakou explained.
The international community has also expressed solidarity with Ivory Coast, with several countries and organizations offering assistance. The United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) has dispatched a team to assess the situation and provide support. “We stand with the people of Ivory Coast during this difficult time. Our team is on the ground to help coordinate relief efforts and ensure that aid reaches those in need,” an OCHA spokesperson said.
As the rescue and recovery operations continue, there is a growing call for long-term solutions to address the vulnerabilities exposed by the disaster. Civil society groups and local leaders are advocating for better housing policies, improved infrastructure, and increased investment in disaster preparedness and climate resilience.
Despite the devastation, there is a sense of hope and resilience among the affected communities. Volunteers and local organizations are working together to provide aid and support to those in need. “In times of crisis, we come together as one community. We will rebuild and emerge stronger from this tragedy,” said Jean-Marie Kouassi, a community leader in Mossikro.
The tragedy in Abidjan serves as a stark reminder of the urgent need to address the impacts of climate change and to build resilient cities capable of withstanding natural disasters. As Ivory Coast grapples with the aftermath of this disaster, the nation’s resolve to protect its citizens and rebuild stronger will be tested.
Source: apnews.com
