Omanghana
At least three people have died after torrential rains unleashed severe flash flooding across Ghana’s capital, Accra, causing widespread destruction, stranding residents, and crippling transportation networks.
The heavy downpour, which began late on Sunday, June 28, continued into Monday, overwhelming drainage systems and inundating several communities. Emergency response teams were forced to deploy rescue boats to evacuate residents trapped by rapidly rising floodwaters, while authorities issued urgent warnings urging the public to remain indoors and avoid unnecessary travel.
Three Confirmed Dead
Authorities have confirmed that three people lost their lives during the flooding.
A man believed to be in his 60s drowned after being swept away by floodwaters in the low-lying Alajo community. Two other victims were electrocuted inside their home when rising water came into contact with exposed electrical wiring, highlighting the dangers posed by submerged power infrastructure.
Emergency officials have cautioned residents against entering flooded areas where live electrical cables may be present.
Rescue Teams Save Trapped Residents
One of the most dramatic rescue operations took place in the eastern Accra suburb of Tse Addo, where emergency responders, supported by community volunteers, used rescue boats to evacuate at least 15 children and an infant who had become trapped by fast-moving floodwaters.
Search and rescue operations continued throughout the day as authorities worked to reach stranded residents in several flood-affected communities.
Power Supply Suspended in High-Risk Areas
To reduce the risk of additional electrocution incidents, power transmission operator GRIDCo and the Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG) temporarily shut down several electrical substations across parts of the capital.
Officials said the precautionary measure was necessary to protect residents as floodwaters continued to rise in numerous neighborhoods.
Flooding Hampers Fire Response
The severe weather also complicated emergency operations after a major fire broke out at a rubber factory near the Kwame Nkrumah Circle.
Flooded roads significantly delayed firefighters attempting to reach the scene, making it more difficult to contain the blaze while rescue efforts were simultaneously underway across the city.
Heaviest Rainfall in Years
Meteorological data indicate that approximately 140 millimetres of rain fell within a single day, making it one of the most intense rainfall events Accra has experienced in several years and nearly three times higher than the city’s previous annual single-day peak.
The extraordinary volume of rainfall quickly overwhelmed drainage channels and caused rivers and stormwater systems to overflow into surrounding communities.
Mahama Cites Climate Change and Urban Development
President John Mahama attributed the scale of the disaster to a combination of increasingly unpredictable weather patterns linked to climate change and rapid urban expansion.
He also pointed to long-standing challenges, including construction on waterways and poor waste disposal practices, which have severely reduced the capacity of Accra’s drainage network.
Local authorities noted that plastic waste blocking drains and illegal developments along natural watercourses, particularly around the Odaw drainage basin, have significantly worsened flooding during periods of heavy rainfall.
Communities Submerged Across the Capital
Several major residential and commercial areas remain underwater, including Weija, Kaneshie Market, Adabraka, Ofankor, and surrounding neighborhoods.
Floodwaters reached waist-high levels on some major roads, forcing motorists to abandon vehicles and causing severe traffic disruptions across the city.
Businesses, schools, and public services have also been affected as authorities continue to assess the extent of the damage.
More Rain Expected
The Ghana Meteorological Agency (GMet) has warned that additional rain-bearing systems are moving along the country’s coastline, raising concerns that already flooded communities could experience further inundation in the coming days.
Emergency management agencies are urging residents living in flood-prone areas to remain vigilant, follow official weather updates, avoid crossing flooded roads, and relocate to safer ground where necessary.
As rescue operations continue, authorities are assessing the full impact of the disaster while coordinating relief efforts for affected communities across the Greater Accra Region.
Source: Omanghana
