The National Disaster Management Organisation (NADMO) has confirmed that five people have died following the devastating floods that struck parts of the Greater Accra Region on Sunday, 18 May.
According to NADMO, the fatalities were a direct result of inadequate drainage systems and unregulated urban development, which continue to hamper effective flood control efforts in the capital.
In an interview with Accra-based Channel One TV, NADMO’s Director of Inspectorate, Richard Amo Yartey, disclosed that three of the deaths occurred in the Ga East Municipality, while two others were reported in Adenta.
“Our records indicate that five lives were lost—three in the Ga East Municipality and two in the Adenta Municipality. It is so unfortunate, and it also tells us that we need to intensify our education. I will advise citizens to pay attention to weather warnings. It is in our interest to stay informed about potential risks,” Mr. Yartey stated.
He stressed that the flooding was not necessarily due to a high volume of rainfall, but rather the city’s poor infrastructure and inability to cope with even moderate rain. “It wasn’t the intensity of the rain but the inadequate drainage system. This issue of flooding will persist if we don’t improve our drainage capacity,” he added.
The Ghana Meteorological Agency reported that Accra received 25 millimetres of rainfall, a relatively low figure, but one that had a significant impact due to preceding showers and heavy runoff from higher elevations.
Areas hardest hit by the floods included Adenta, Kaneshie, Weija, Adabraka, and parts of Tema, where roads were rendered impassable, vehicles were submerged, and thousands of residents were stranded.
NADMO has since renewed calls for stricter enforcement of building regulations and a more coordinated approach to urban planning and development to prevent future disasters.
The organisation continues to urge residents to stay alert to weather advisories and take precautionary measures, especially during the rainy season.
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