Deadly Flooding Hits Ghana as Torrential Rains Cause Widespread Damage
At least 13 people have been killed and thousands affected after torrential rains swept through large parts of Ghana, triggering flash flooding. The Ghana National Fire Service reported that three of the victims were women, eight were men, and one was a child. Officials said more than 470 people have been rescued so far, adding that more casualties are expected.
Record Rainfall in Accra
President John Dramani Mahama described the rainfall as the highest recorded in years. Preliminary data showed about 140 mm of rain had fallen on the capital, Accra. Mahama attributed the scale of the rainfall to changing climate conditions, stating it was beyond the government’s control.
Government Response and Relief Efforts
In a statement on Tuesday, the government spokesperson announced that 300 million cedis ($27 million) would be released for flood relief efforts. President Mahama also ordered the deployment of Ghana Armed Forces and police personnel to support the National Disaster Management Organization (NADMO) and other security services in rescue and relief operations across the capital.
Ongoing Rescue Operations
The Ghana National Fire Service informed on Tuesday that rescue operations are still under way. Authorities are assessing the impact as affected residents continue to deal with the aftermath of the floods. Neighboring Ivory Coast has also been hit by heavy rains.
Recurring Flooding Issues
Accra floods regularly during the rainy season, with poor drainage, unauthorized construction on waterways, and inadequate urban planning routinely cited as worsening the impact of heavy rains. The government aims to address these underlying issues as part of long-term flood mitigation strategies.
