Floods Displace 26,000 People in Ghana
Women and Children Were Most Affected
Overt Operator
October 18, 2023
Heavy rains in eastern Ghana have resulted in severe flooding, leading to the displacement of nearly 26,000 people, according to the National Disaster Management Organization (NADMO). The flooding has caused extensive damage to crops and forced the closure of schools in the affected areas.
Two hydroelectric dams, Akosombo and Kpong, overflowed as a result of the heavy rainfall, exacerbating the situation.
NADMO deputy chief Seji Saji stated that the majority of those affected, mostly women and children, have been relocated to safe havens. He emphasized the urgent need for water, food, and medicine, and assured that the government is working to provide the necessary support.
No fatalities have been officially declared, at the time of this report. However, the devastation caused by the flooding is evident everywhere, local media outlet People's Gazette highlighted.
Mercy Tamakloe, a 35-year-old food vendor and mother of two, described losing all her belongings:
"Everything is gone. I don't know how I'll be able to recover, but at least I have life," she said, as she was quoted by media.
David Fui Banini, a farmer, voiced his concerns and called on the government to compensate affected individuals. He highlighted that the flooding was not their fault and emphasized the impact it has had on his four-acre maize farm.
The Ghanaian navy has been actively involved in rescue operations in the Volta Region, which borders Togo. Thousands of individuals have already been saved from the rising waters originating from the dams. Commodore E.A. Kwafo assured the public that the situation is currently under control, with over 8,000 residents rescued across the nine affected districts in the region.
In response to the crisis, President Nana Akufo-Addo has established a committee to coordinate ongoing rescue efforts. The government is taking decisive steps to address the immediate needs of those affected by the flooding.
Ghana's meteorological service has warned that more rainfall can be expected this year, as the country experiences a significant increase in the frequency and unpredictability of weather events. These warnings are connected to the broader issue of climate change, which poses significant challenges for Ghana and other West African countries.
As the affected communities grapple with the aftermath of the flooding, government agencies, aid organizations, and individuals must come together and provide support to those in need. The resilience of the Ghanaian people will be tested, but their determination to rebuild and recover will undoubtedly prevail.