At least 13 people have died in Ghana’s capital, Accra, after torrential rain caused severe flooding, with the government warning of another storm forecasted to hit the area. The flooding, which occurred after Sunday night’s downpours, has forced many residents to evacuate their homes, with emergency response teams deployed to the affected regions.
The Ghana National Fire Service has been involved in rescue efforts, and has reported that the death toll could rise as the recovery operation continues. Low-lying areas were particularly impacted, with videos circulating on social media showing homes and vehicles submerged, and many buildings destroyed.
Ghana Flooding
The floods have triggered a major fire at a rubber factory in the city, and some residents have become trapped at home. The government has called for people to relocate to higher safe grounds and to avoid traveling in flooded areas, warning residents to stay indoors if they are in a safe location and to avoid crossing flooded roads.
The Ghana Meteorological Agency has warned that more rain is expected to affect parts of southern Ghana, where Accra is located, on Tuesday morning into the afternoon, raising the risk of further flooding. The agency has advised residents to avoid sheltering under trees, stay clear of loose electrical wires, and not to walk or drive through floodwaters.
Accra is one of the fastest-growing cities in Africa, with a population of more than four million. The city’s poor drainage system, including clogged gutters and the construction of illegal structures on waterways, has exacerbated the flooding. The president has ordered the demolition of all such illegal structures after an aerial tour of the city on Monday.
Recovery Efforts
Emergency response teams, including the police, fire service, military, and National Disaster Management Organisation, have been deployed to the flood-affected region to monitor the situation and safeguard lives and property. The Ghana National Fire Service has rescued more than 470 people so far, and the government has urged people to stay indoors or move to higher ground.
The floods have also had a significant impact on daily life, with residents struggling to cope with the aftermath. Schoolteacher Patience Naa Adjeley Adjei said she had spent hours trying to keep water out of her room, while resident Philip Mensah reported that his collection of vinyl records had been destroyed in the flood. The Ghana Grid Company Limited and the Electricity Company of Ghana have temporarily shut down power supply to parts of the capital affected by the floods as a precautionary measure.
The flooding in Accra is a stark reminder of the need for stronger urban planning and preparedness measures to safeguard communities before, during, and after extreme weather events. As the city continues to grow and develop, it is essential that measures are taken to mitigate the risks associated with flooding and to protect the lives and property of its residents.
