Heavy rainfall has triggered deadly flooding across several West African countries, with dozens of people killed in the Ivory Coast and Ghana as authorities warn of more downpours in the coming days.
In the Ivory Coast, 59 people have died since the start of the rainy season in May, according to the government.
Neighbouring Ghana recorded 12 flood-related deaths earlier this week after torrential rains on Monday inundated large parts of the capital, Accra, and surrounding communities, local authorities said.
Flooding has also been reported in Benin, where heavy rains have affected several areas.
Weather forecasts indicate that more heavy rainfall is expected along the West African coast over the coming days, raising fears of additional flooding.
According to the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA), about 7.5 million people across the region are at risk of flooding.
The rainy season in the Gulf of Guinea coastal countries typically runs from April to August, with a second, shorter season between October and November.
In the Sahel, including countries such as Mali and Senegal, most annual rainfall occurs between June and September. (dpa/NAN)
