Downpour causes floods in parts of Accra
Two hours of rainfall yesterday sent a clear signal that even though some progress has been made in the battle against the perennial flooding in Accra, there is still some work to be done.
The two-hour rain, which had been preceded by a downpour the night before, nearly caused the Odaw River to overflow its banks.
Visit by Daily Graphic
When the Daily Graphic visited some flood-prone areas in the capital city, it was observed that the Abossey Okai and Kaneshie areas were engulfed in flood waters.
There was heavy vehicular traffic at the Obetsebi-Lamptey Circle, as most vehicles, especially taxi cabs, could barely move because of the pressure from the flood waters.
It was also observed that the stores around the area were closed, while their premises were covered with flood water.
A few policemen were spotted in the area controlling the vehicular traffic and to respond to any emergency.
No flooding at some areas
The usual situation of people taking cover at fuel stations and in stores was absent, perhaps as a precautionary measure in view of the twin disaster of June 3, 2015 that claimed more than 150 lives.
The situation in places such as the Kwame Nkrumah Circle and Nima was a good story to tell. The perennial flooding in those areas was absent, while pedestrians took cover under the interchange being constructed at the Nkrumah Circle.
Business activities went on at the Nkrumah Circle, in spite of the downpour, unlike other places where stores were closed as a result of the rainfall.
Visit by NADMO
In a related development, officials from the National Disaster Management Organisation (NADMO) visited some flood-prone areas in the city to assess the impact of Saturday night’s downpour.
The aerial exercise was carried out in areas including Achimota, Alajo, Awoshie, Ashaiman, Kaneshie and Odawna.
The exercise was carried out by personnel from the 48 Engineers Regiment of the Ghana Armed Forces, NADMO and the Ministry of the Interior.
Briefing the media after the visit, the Director of Operations of NADMO, Mr Winfrey Nomotey, said the organisation had put in place some measures to ensure the safety of the public during the rainy season.
Mr Nomotey, who said he was satisfied with the minimal impact and casualty rate, said there was collaboration between NADMO and other security agencies to respond to all emergencies.
Background
On June 3, 2015, 159 people lost their lives to a flood and fire disaster at the Kwame Nkrumah Circle when hours of rainfall caused heavy flooding in the area. Some members of the public who took refuge at a fuel station in the area met their untimely death when the tanks caught fire.
