At least 18 people have lost their lives, 877 others have been affected, and 58 buildings have collapsed following devastating floods triggered by three days of continuous heavy rainfall across parts of the Central Region.
The floods, which swept through several communities between June 19 and June 21, submerged homes, displaced families, destroyed farmlands, and caused extensive damage to property, making it one of the region’s worst flood disasters in recent years.
Addressing a press briefing at the flood-hit Ekon Community, the Central Regional Director of the National Disaster Management Organisation (NADMO), Emmanuel Kwesi Mensah Dawood, disclosed that 13 out of the region’s 23 Metropolitan, Municipal and District Assemblies (MMDAs) recorded varying degrees of destruction.
According to him, preliminary assessments indicate that the Cape Coast Metropolis recorded the highest number of fatalities, accounting for eight of the 18 deaths.
He explained that NADMO, together with emergency responders, immediately deployed rescue teams to affected communities to evacuate residents trapped in flooded homes and other dangerous locations.
Mr. Dawood said hundreds of victims are currently in urgent need of humanitarian assistance, including food, clothing, mattresses, blankets, mosquito nets, and other essential relief supplies.
He appealed to corporate organisations, philanthropists, religious institutions, non-governmental organisations, and benevolent individuals to support affected families as NADMO struggles with limited resources.
“Our warehouses are virtually empty, and we are facing shortages of relief items needed to support affected families. We are therefore appealing to the public and institutions to come to our aid,” he said.
The Regional Director also issued a two-week ultimatum to residents occupying flood-prone and waterlogged areas to relocate in order to prevent further loss of life and property as the rainy season intensifies.
He warned that NADMO, in collaboration with local authorities and district assemblies, would begin strict enforcement measures in identified high-risk zones.
As part of efforts to mitigate future disasters, authorities have announced plans to demolish dilapidated structures and buildings constructed on waterways and drainage channels, which have been identified as major contributors to the flooding.
Mr. Dawood urged residents to cooperate with the exercise and support ongoing efforts to improve disaster preparedness and flood management across the region.
Meanwhile, NADMO officials continue to assess the full extent of the destruction as affected families count their losses and appeal for urgent assistance.
The organisation has assured the public of its commitment to working with district assemblies, security agencies, and other stakeholders to provide emergency support and strengthen disaster response mechanisms throughout the region.
By Peter Quao Adattor/paqmediagh
