Severe Flooding in Accra, Ghana: Four Dead and Thousands Displaced

Heavy rainfall in Accra, Ghana on May 18, 2025, led to severe flooding, killing four and displacing over 3,000 residents. Areas most affected include Abokobi and Adenta. GMet warns of continued storms and urges residents in flood-prone areas to evacuate for safety.

On May 18, 2025, the city of Accra, Ghana experienced devastating flooding due to heavy rainfall, resulting in the tragic loss of four lives and the displacement of over 3,000 residents. The intense downpour, quantified at 132.20 mm (5.2 inches), primarily affected several regions within Greater Accra, including Abokobi and Adenta where the fatalities occurred, raising concerns about the region’s preparedness for such natural calamities.

Numerous neighborhoods in Accra faced severe flooding, with Weija, Kaneshie, Adabraka, Adentan-Dodowa, Oyarifa, and portions of Tema notably impacted. The flooding obstructed key roadways, leaving many vehicles stranded and causing significant disruptions to traffic. Daily life in these areas came to a halt as the rising waters made navigation perilous.

The Ghana Meteorological Agency (GMet) traced the storm’s origin to a system that had moved west from neighboring Benin and Togo. This weather system is expected to persist, promising more clouds, thunderstorms, and rainfall across Ghana’s coastal, middle, transition, and northern zones. This ongoing threat raises alarms among citizens and officials.

In the wake of the flooding, GMet issued a weather warning on May 21, signaling further thunderstorms and moderate to heavy rains particularly affecting the coastal, middle, and transition areas of the country. This advisory aims to prepare residents for the potential continuation of adverse weather conditions.

Mr. Adu Bonsu Gabriel, the Director of the National Disaster Management Organization (NADMO) for the Ahafo region, has urged individuals residing in flood-prone areas to evacuate to safer zones. He emphasized the critical need for proactive measures to avert further disasters, highlighting the importance of community awareness and readiness in the face of such natural threats.

In summary, the recent flooding in Accra has underscored the vulnerabilities faced by the region, leading to fatalities and displacing thousands. As authorities continue to assess the impact and prepare for potential ongoing severe weather, the call for community readiness and swift action has never been more evident. The situation remains precarious as residents grapple with the aftermath and the forecast signals more storms ahead.

Original Source: watchers.news