Deadly floods hit Burkina Faso and Ghana, West Africa

Severe flooding struck parts of Burkina Faso and Ghana this week, resulting in extensive property damage and at least 8 fatalities. Heavy rainfall has been affecting the West African countries since mid-August, displacing many residents.

In Burkina Faso, heavy rainfall from September 4 triggered flooding in Kaya, Center-Nord, killing at least four people.

Earlier flooding affected Ouagadougou following heavy downpours from August 30, which damaged numerous houses and properties.

In Ghana, flooding swept through roads, bridges, homes, and farmland in the Northern and North East regions due to heavy rainfall and spillage from the Bagre Dam in Burkina Faso around mid-August.

Electricity company SONABEL, which manages Bagre Dam, said the releases were necessary due to high water levels. Residents near the banks of the Black and White Volta rivers in Ghana were urged to evacuate.

Floods from heavy rains around September 5 to 6 have caused property damage and at least four deaths in the North East.

Two of the casualties were reported in the Bunkpurugu District and one each in the municipalities of West Mamprusi and East Mamprusi. Areas of Mamprugu Moagduri District have also been severely affected.