West Africa extreme rainfall now five times more likely due to climate change
Scientists from the World Weather Attribution group say human-driven climate change has made extreme three‑day rainfall events in West Africa about five times more likely than in the pre‑industrial era, boosting intensity by 4–23 %. Their study, released Thursday, links the deadly floods of June that killed at least 59 people in Ivory Coast, 34 in Ghana and five in Togo – nearly 100 across the region – to this shift. The heaviest rain fell between June 20 and 22, hitting coastal areas from Ivory Coast to Nigeria and overwhelming drainage systems.
For Nigerians, especially residents of Lagos, Port Harcourt, Calabar and other coastal cities, the finding means floods that once seemed rare could now strike every two to four years. More frequent inundation threatens homes, disrupts transport, raises repair costs and strains already‑weak urban drainage, especially as rapid urbanisation continues in flood‑prone zones.
Experts urge Gulf of Guinea states to invest urgently in drainage infrastructure, early‑warning systems and safer housing. Individuals can stay alert to weather alerts, avoid building in floodplains, support community calls for better urban planning and consider flood insurance or emergency kits. Knowing that such intense rainfall events are now far more common helps households and planners make wiser decisions about where to live and how to prepare.