By Kekeli K. Blamey, GNA
Sogakope/Adidome, July 30, GNA – Heavy rains that lashed parts of the South, Central and North Tongu Districts in the Volta Region have triggered widespread flooding, destroying homes, businesses and farmlands, and displaced thousands of residents.
The floods affected communities, including Sogakope, Dabala, Sokpoe, Tefle, Kpotame, Dordoekope, Agbadzakope and Adutor in the South Tongu District, and residents are appealing to the Government to urgently intervene to alleviate their plight.
The National Disaster Management Organisation (NADMO) is yet to confirm the number of households affected, as officials continue rescue operations and assess the extent of damage to lives and property.
Mr Kwame Lukutor, the Member of Parliament for South Tongu, expressed deep concern over the devastation caused by the floods and extended his sympathies to affected families, individuals and businesses.
He said the floods had impacted homes, properties, farmlands and livelihoods, adding that he had over the weekend visited flood-prone communities including Dordoekope, Agbadzakope and Adutor Electoral Areas, to assess the recurring challenge and engage residents on possible solutions.
Mr Lukutor stressed the need for the construction of proper drainage systems, strict enforcement of planning schemes and adherence to building regulations to reduce the incidence of flooding.
He urged residents to cooperate with the NADMO and other emergency agencies; refrain from activities that obstruct drainage channels and natural waterways and temporarily relocate to safer grounds where necessary.
The MP assured the constituents of his commitment to working with the South Tongu District Assembly, the NADMO, traditional authorities and other stakeholders to provide relief for affected residents and pursue long-term solutions to the flooding challenge.
Mrs Victoria Dzeklo, the South Tongu District Chief Executive, described the flooding as distressing for families, businesses and commuters and assured residents that the Assembly, in collaboration with NADMO and other technical agencies, was undertaking comprehensive assessments and emergency interventions.
She said efforts were underway to clear critical drainage systems, manage water levels and provide support to the worst-affected communities.
Mrs Dzeklo appealed to residents to avoid crossing flooded roads and fast-moving waters, keep children away from open drains and promptly report emergency situations to Assembly Members or the appropriate emergency response agencies.
In the Central Tongu District, Mr Fiagbenu Guggisberg, Assembly Member for the Adidome Central Electoral Area, attributed parts of the flooding to inadequate drainage infrastructure and called on the District Assembly to prioritise the construction and rehabilitation of drains to prevent future occurrences.
Residents across the affected Tongu enclaves appealed to the Government and humanitarian organisations to provide immediate relief items and implement sustainable flood control measures to safeguard lives and property.
GNA
Edited by Maxwell Awumah/Benjamin Mensah