By James Amoh Junior
Accra, June 29, GNA – Torrential rains that lashed parts of Accra on Monday left sections of Teshie Bush Road inundated, rendering the stretch impassable, displacing residents and raising fresh concerns over development on waterways.
The downpour submerged large sections of the road, bringing vehicular movement to a standstill as floodwaters engulfed nearby homes and public facilities.
The compound of the International Central Gospel Church (ICGC) in the area was among the hardest hit, with overflowing floodwaters breaching the walls of the premises and inundating the compound.
At the time of filing this report, floodwaters had yet to recede, leaving motorists stranded and forcing residents to seek safer grounds.
Officials from the National Disaster Management Organisation (NADMO) were at the scene to monitor the situation, assist affected residents and ensure that no lives were lost.
Although there was no immediate confirmation of casualties, several houses along the stretch were flooded, with residents scrambling to salvage their belongings.
Some residents attributed the persistent flooding to unauthorised construction on waterways, which they said had obstructed the free flow of stormwater.
Mr Nii Adjei Commey, a resident, said the intensity of this year’s rains had exposed long-standing weaknesses in urban planning and drainage management.
“The rains have shown that the assemblies must take drastic action against people who build on waterways. Until that is done, these floods will continue to threaten lives and property,” he said.
Mr Nana Kwame Danso, who recently moved into the community, said his room had been completely flooded, leaving him temporarily homeless.
“I have lost almost everything. I only moved here recently, and now I don’t even have a place to sleep,” he lamented.
Ghana has in recent weeks experienced heavy and sustained rainfall, resulting in flooding in many parts of the country and prompting repeated warnings from disaster management authorities for residents in flood-prone communities to remain vigilant.
In response to Monday’s flooding, the Presidency, urged residents in affected communities to strictly observe all safety advisories.
The Presidency advised persons already in safe locations to remain indoors and cautioned the public against attempting to cross flooded roads, either on foot or by vehicle.
It also urged residents whose homes were being inundated to move immediately to higher ground and call the national emergency number, 112, for assistance.
Motorists were specifically advised to avoid flood-prone routes, including the Mallam-Kasoa Road, Alajo and the Graphic Road areas, and to turn around whenever they encountered floodwaters.
The advisory also urged the public to unplug electrical appliances and stay away from electrical poles, transformers and fallen power lines to minimise the risk of electrocution.
Authorities said the safety of the public remained paramount and encouraged residents to continue monitoring official updates and comply with all emergency directives as the rains persist.
GNA
Edited by George-Ramsey Benamba
Reporter: James Amoh Junior
Email: [email protected]