Deadly floods sweep through capital Accra, Ghana

Overnight rains from June 8 to 9, 2020, led to damaging floods in the city of Accra, Ghana. The National Disaster Management Organization (NADMO) confirmed one fatality and two others missing.

One person died in the Odawna area after being electrocuted in the water in an attempt to protect his properties from being swept away.

Search operations continue for the two missing people. NADMO, along with military personnel, have rescued 20 people so far, who were trapped in floodwaters.

Noel Nunoo, a local student, said waters had washed away many of his valuables. He urged the government to visit the affected area and assist the victims in seeking shelter.

"We managed to put our children on our back and found our way through the flood to come outside," said Ama Kuranchie, a Taifa resident. "We have been standing there for more than four hours, and even now, we have nowhere to sleep."

The organization is conducting damage assessments in affected areas, as well as relief operations. Several people have been evacuated, particularly in areas around Kwame Nkrumah Circle.

Images and videos on social media showed filth taking over wide areas of the city as floods swept away garbage and debris. Accra is known to be vulnerable to flooding, and its poor drainage system– usually blocked by trash and silt– is often being criticized.

In 2015, a horrific flooding and fire disaster struck the city. During a heavy downpour event, many took shelter at a station. An explosion suddenly occurred, killing as many as 150 people.

Featured image credit: Robert Kwami Yevoo/Twitter