At Least 69 Killed in Floods and Canoe Tragedy in Côte d’Ivoire

July 2, 2026

Abidjan: At least 69 people have lost their lives in two separate incidents in Côte d’Ivoire this week, as torrential rains triggered deadly flooding and landslides in the country’s commercial capital, while a canoe accident claimed additional lives in the south.

Authorities said several people were also injured or remain missing, with rescue teams continuing search operations.

Torrential Rains Kill 59 in Abidjan

Heavy overnight rainfall from Sunday to Monday caused widespread flooding, mudslides and landslides across several neighbourhoods in Abidjan, leaving 59 people dead, according to Ivorian Minister of Communication and government spokesperson Amadou Coulibaly.

Speaking after a Council of Ministers meeting on Wednesday, Coulibaly said the highest number of fatalities was recorded in the Attecoube commune, west of Abidjan, where around 20 people lost their lives.

He noted that some residents had returned to areas from which they had previously been relocated due to safety concerns.

The government expressed condolences to the families of the victims and urged residents to follow official safety directives, including evacuating locations identified as high-risk during the rainy season.

Canoe Capsizes, Killing 10

In a separate incident, at least 10 people were killed after a canoe carrying villagers capsized overnight between Avikam Island and Liboli Village in the Grands-Ponts region of southern Côte d’Ivoire.

According to a security source, the passengers—including several women and children—were returning to their village after purchasing cassava when the canoe reportedly stopped unexpectedly before overturning.

Emergency responders rushed to the scene after receiving the alert and launched search and recovery operations.

Search Operations Continue

Authorities said several people remain missing following the canoe accident, and rescue teams are continuing search efforts.

Officials are also assessing the damage caused by the severe weather in Abidjan as emergency services work to assist affected communities.

Further details are awaited as authorities continue rescue operations and investigations into both incidents.