Accra, Tema floods raise red flags

Widespread flooding hit parts of Accra and Tema in the early hours of Sunday following heavy rains in the Greater Accra Region, leaving residents stranded and raising serious concerns of imminent danger as the rainy season closes in.

The four-hour rainstorm, which began around 4a.m. caused water levels to rise rapidly, severely affecting low-lying communities such as Waterland in Tema New Town and some flood-prone areas in the capital while various properties were submerged. 

Damage

In the process, a countless number of homes were inundated with floodwaters, streets were rendered impassable due to choked drains, with several families being forced to flee for their dear lives as water gushed into their living spaces.

Many residents were trapped in their homes as the water surged, while others struggled to salvage some belongings at the expense of their safety.

The massive flooding destroyed property, displaced numerous households and left victims counting their losses as they desperately sought for temporary abode.

In a swift response, personnel from the Ghana Navy, supported by local volunteers, launched rescue operations in the affected communities.

At least 14 children were successfully rescued from dangerous conditions in Tema Manhean as part of efforts to evacuate more residents to safer areas at the time of filing this report.

Monitoring

Despite the risks, some affected residents declined evacuation, citing fears that leaving their homes unattended could expose them to looting.

Meanwhile, personnel of the Ghana Navy and community volunteers continued to navigate flooded streets to reach vulnerable individuals, while officials closely monitored the situation and intensified relief operations to prevent further casualties.

A resident of Waterland, Eric Adjetey, recounted his frightening ordeal, saying he was asleep when he was suddenly awakened by the gushing water in his home.

He said he quickly rushed out to avoid being trapped as the water level rose rapidly.

The Assembly Member for Oninku Electoral Area, Felix Mensah Normeshie, told the Daily Graphic that the situation was severe, attributing the flooding to a major drain in the community that had been blocked.

He further revealed that a four-day-old baby, who was nearly swept away by the floodwaters, was rescued by some volunteers, adding that despite the situation the child was in good condition.

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