Deadly Floods Sweep West Africa as Extreme Rainfall Exposes Growing Climate Risks

July 2026 — Severe flooding triggered by torrential rains has claimed dozens of lives and displaced thousands across West Africa. In Ghana, the death toll has risen to 34, with nearly 90,000 people affected, while Côte d'Ivoire, Nigeria, Benin, and Togo have also reported fatalities, widespread flooding, and damage to homes and infrastructure.

Scientists say the disaster reflects a combination of intensifying rainfall associated with climate change, the seasonal West African Monsoon, rapid urbanization, inadequate drainage systems, and settlement in flood-prone areas. Warmer air holds more moisture, increasing the likelihood of heavier downpours that overwhelm rivers and urban drainage networks.

As the rainy season continues, governments and humanitarian agencies are expanding relief efforts while experts call for greater investment in flood forecasting, resilient infrastructure, and climate adaptation.

Sources: Radio France Internationale (RFI); Anadolu Agency (AA).