Heavy rains leave havoc in trail

The first half of 2014 has been characterised by heavy downpour that has resulted in great damage and suffering in some parts of the country.

The rains, which began unexpectedly in February, have led to flooding in some regions, particularly the Western, Central and Greater Accra regions.

Besides the loss of  individual and institutional property, the rains also led to the loss of lives in some parts of the country.

For instance, five people in Accra were reported to have died in torrential rains that hit the metropolis in June.

The bodies of two young boys were reported  to have been found in a big gutter at Sekondi in the Western Region after torrential rains swept through the town.

Affected areas

Some of the worst hit areas during the first half of the year in Accra included Anyaa, Taifa, Dome, Nii-Boi Town, Dansoman and some parts of Kaneshie.

The heavy rains caused flooding in the city and its environs, including Adabraka, Awoshie, the Kwame Nkrumah Circle, Mallam, North Kaneshie, Abeka, Dansoman and Odorkor.

Major drains overflowed their banks, while the Odaw River spewed out all the garbage, including plastic and e-waste, dumped into it.

Each time it rained,  floods brought traffic to a standstill on most of the major roads, compelling commuters to walk to their destinations.

Some major roads in the capital, including Graphic Road and Nkrumah Circle, were submerged by the rains, preventing workers from getting to their offices.

Ghana Meteorological Agency (GMA) predictions

Earlier in the year, the GMA predicted heavy rains for the months of April, May and June this year.

It has, however, warned that the country will also experience long dry spells in between the rains.

The Head of Research of GMA, Mr Charles Yorke, called for the adaptation of dam management for the release of excess water before the peak of the rainy season.

Second half of 2014

The GMA is yet to fully give out the rain patterns for the remaining six months of the year.

So far, efforts have been made by the government through the Accra Metropolitan Assembly (AMA) to ensure that refuse in the drains are cleared.

Waste management agencies such as Zoomlion have also been resourced to clear and dredge various drains of filth.

Although the GMA is yet to release the rain patterns for the rest of the year, one can easily predict possible heavy rains based on recent heavy rains.