Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
Abidjan (Agenzia Fides) - At least 20 deaths have been reported due to flooding caused by torrential rain overnight, between 18 and 19 June, in Abidjan. Among the worst hit areas of the Ivorian economic capital is the municipality of Cocody, where many residents perched on the roofs of their homes, while dozens of people were welcomed in the local "Holy Family" parish.
Also other parishes have opened their structures to accommodate the flood victims, but the same ecclesiastical structures have suffered damages caused by torrential rains. Rain poured down from 11pm on Monday night to 6am Tuesday, taking the inhabitants aback.
However, weather conditions are not the only ones responsible for the disaster. What is also under accusation, in fact, are the scarce or totally non-existent drainage and sewerage works and wild urbanization, especially in an area like that of Riviera Palmeraie, part of the municipality of Cocody, characterized by a sandy-clayey soil, which is not able to absorb large amounts of rain. (L.M.) (Agenzia Fides, 21/6/2018)
