Five people have been confirmed dead after torrential rain yet again exposed the poor drainage system in Ghana’s capital, Accra.
One was said to have been electrocuted whilst attempting to rescue his fridge from the flood waters, NADMO boss Kofi Portuphy said.
Four others have also been confirmed dead.
President John Mills Wednesday morning began a tour of the capital to see at first hand the devastating effects the Tuesday night floods left in its choked drains.
His first port of call was the Kwame Nkrumah Circle where floods have taken over the roads making them unmotorable.
The president said government is concerned about the plight of the affected residents, Joy News Presidential Correspondent Seth Kwame Boateng reported.
President Mills also assured residents to be calm.
President Mills appealed to victims of the floods to remain calm as efforts are made to rescue and offer them assistance.
“You have seen all of us here because of the concern that we have for this rather disturbing situation. First of all, I’d like to convey our sympathies to those families who have lost individuals and I would want to repeat the appeal by the Minister of Interior, stay where you are so that you can derive the maximum benefit from the rescue efforts which are being made,” he said.
The president commended NADMO, the Accra Metropolitan Assembly (AMA), the Fire Service, Engineers Regiment for their efforts at helping the flood victims.
He assured that “the government will do everything in its power to bring this situation under control.”
Severe floods following massive rains that poured down on the southern part of the country this morning has virtually brought Accra to a standstill.
Reports and distress calls from several suburbs of the capital indicate loss of lives and destruction to property, with many marooned on rooftops.
Some roads have been cut off forcing commuters making their way to the city center to find alternate routes.
Accra Mayor Alfred Vanderpuije asked residents of the capital to avoid travelling to the city unless it was very necessary.
Education Minister, Betty Mould-Iddrisu earlier this morning announced on Joy FM the closure of schools in the capital.
She said the ministry was concerned about the safety pupils and teachers alike.
Deputy Transport Minister Dzifa Attivor also announced a suspension of rail services.
A number of organizations in the capital have also had their premises flooded.
The management of Ghana Post says the main Post Office in Accra will remain closed following flooding there. The Vodafone office near the Kwame Nkrumah Circle is also inundated.
Via: Myjoyonline.Com
Accra has been abused long enough as a capital,time to upgrade the sewage system
@seeci :),That’s right. Long overdue. Last yr Swedru was under water just like this and it was even much worse. Something’s got to give.
Its painful cuz i know plenty tourists n expats like Accra living but the capital has had enuf neglect. For real if the floods in Swedru n the northern floods like at the Burkinabe border of Zavelugu waa not a w wake up call then surely our CAPITOL should shame our lazy leaders@ghallday,
I@seeci :), I happened to drive through some neighborhood in cantonments and I saw real good living where the expatriates lived. No floods can occur there because.the sewage system there is a good one. Wonder why we cant do tht for the vast areas in accra