Ghana's capital flooded, govt asks citizens to move to safer grounds

Accra, Ghana’s capital was on Thursday hit by torrential rains which virtually submerged several parts of the city.

This comes barely a week after the government marked its worst natural disaster, the ‘flood and fire’ incident of June 3, 2015 which claimed over 150 lives. Residents of most parts of the capital are living in fear that the events of a year ago could possibly recur.

The rains which started since dawn has yet to subside with affected areas being the center of the capital, Kwame Nkrumah Circle, Nungua, Teshie, parts of Kaneshie, Odawna, Dzorwulu, Asylum Down, Kasoa road, Mallam Junction among others.

Government directive

In a government statement signed by the minister of Communications, Dr Edward Omane Boamah, citizens have been told that the rains could continue longer, tasking them to move from low lying areas to higher grounds.

‘‘The Ghana Meteorological Agency has advised that the rains will continue for a while longer, hence the general public should avoid flowing water, move from lower ground to higher places if need be and call emergency lines – including 112 should the need arise,’‘ the statement added.

#AccraFloods Never drive thru standing or flowing water in the road way unless u have no choice.this can stallur car pic.twitter.com/QGf7abQkJa

— Ghana RoadSafety (@ROADSAFETYGHANA) June 9, 2016

Accra is seen as a low lying area that has often been engulfed in floods whenever heavy rains fall. The emergency and rescue agency, National Disaster Management Organization (NADMO) was recently said to be ill equipped in case of a flood even though the Mayor of Accra, insisted that the capital was ready for any floods.

The country’s Road Safety Commission has been tweeting pieces of advice on how to avoid the floods and stay safe, meanwhile citizens have been pouring out their frustrations on social media.

#AccraFloods Avoid slamming your brakes if possible take your foot off the accelerator to slow down #roadsafety

— Ghana RoadSafety (@ROADSAFETYGHANA) June 9, 2016

#AccraFloods please stay toward the middle Lane when driving water tends to pool on the outer Lane #roadsafety

— Ghana RoadSafety (@ROADSAFETYGHANA) June 9, 2016

#AccraFloods #roadsafety don't follow large trucks and buses too closes.Keep a 4-second minimum distance

— Ghana RoadSafety (@ROADSAFETYGHANA) June 9, 2016

#AccraFloods Drive at or below the speed limit to the extent that u are comfortable with,+ can see far enough in front of u.

— Ghana RoadSafety (@ROADSAFETYGHANA) June 9, 2016