On the night of Monday, June 29, 2026, violent storms struck the town of Zegban, a village located 7 kilometers from Fresco, in southwestern Côte d'Ivoire. The Péh River burst its banks, flooding several neighborhoods and causing significant material damage and loss of life. Teams from the Fresco Civil Protection Center (CPC) were immediately deployed to the affected area.

Neighborhoods underwater and the local economy affected

The sudden rise in water levels paralyzed a large part of the village. Seven areas were particularly affected:

1. Mosque
2. SODEFOR
3. Catholic
4. Primary school
5. Behind the Water
6. Dioulabougou
7. Israel

In addition to invading homes and forcing residents from their houses, the floods have ravaged many plantations, dealing a severe blow to the region's agricultural economy.

A large-scale rescue operation

Faced with the blockage of land routes, civilian firefighters had to use inflatable boats and rescue ropes to reach trapped residents.

Relief efforts report: Thanks to this intervention, approximately sixty families were evacuated from the flooded areas. With the support of administrative authorities and local elected officials, they found temporary shelter at the SODEFOR camp. A census of those affected is currently underway to coordinate emergency humanitarian aid.

Although the Péh river has begun to recede, leaving behind a desolate landscape, many houses remain completely uninhabitable.

A man in his forties was found dead

On Wednesday, July 1, 2026, the search conducted by the CPC took a tragic turn. Divers recovered the body of a 32-year-old man who had been missing since the start of the severe weather. The body was handed over to the funeral home after the usual procedures were completed.

Civil Protection calls for maximum vigilance

This tragedy once again illustrates the major risks faced by riverside communities during this rainy season. The National Office of Civil Protection (ONPC) and local authorities have reiterated their safety instructions:

1. Evacuate flood-prone areas immediately.
2. Strictly adhere to weather alerts.
3. Cooperate immediately with the rescue teams.

The situation in Zegban remains under close observation. A comprehensive assessment of the damage is underway to plan support measures for the victims and strengthen prevention against future severe weather.