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At least 13 people have died in Ghana’s capital, Accra, after torrential rain resulted in severe flooding, according to the fire service which has been involved in rescue efforts.<\/b><\/p>\n
The government has urged people to stay indoors or move to higher ground, as the meteorological agency warned further rain was expected with a big storm approaching from the east.<\/p>\n
Much of the water from Sunday night’s downpours has begun to recede, but as the recovery operation continues, the Ghana National Fire Service (GNF) said the death toll could rise.<\/p>\n
Low-lying areas were particularly impacted. Videos circulating on social media show homes and vehicles submerged, while many buildings have been destroyed. <\/p>\n
Emergency response teams have been deployed to the flood-affected region, including from the police, fire service, the military and the National Disaster Management Organisation.<\/p>\n
The interior ministry said they had been deployed to monitor the situation and to safeguard lives and property.<\/p>\n
The GNFS said it had rescued more than 470 people so far.<\/p>\n
The floods also triggered a major fire at a rubber factory in the city.<\/p>\n
Some residents have also become trapped at home. The government has called for people to relocate to higher safe grounds and to avoid travelling in flooded areas.<\/p>\n
”Stay indoors if you are in a safe location,” the president’s office said in a statement.<\/p>\n
“Do not attempt to cross flooded roads, whether on foot or in a vehicle. If your home is being inundated, move immediately to higher ground and call 112 for emergency assistance.”<\/p>\n
According to Mahama, preliminary data indicated that around 140mm of rain descended on Accra.<\/p>\n
“By comparison, the highest single-day rainfall recorded last year was about 56 mm,” he wrote on X, adding the increase pointed to climate change.<\/p>\n
The Ghana Meteorological Agency also warned that more rain was expected to affect parts of southern Ghana – where Accra is located – on Tuesday morning into the afternoon, raising the risk of further flooding.<\/p>\n
“Avoid sheltering under trees, stay clear of loose electrical wires, and do not walk or drive through floodwaters,” the agency advised.<\/p>\n
Accra is one of the fastest-growing cities in Africa, with a population of more than four million, according to the World Health Organization (WHO).<\/p>\n
Resident Philip Mensah said his house had been flooded, telling AFP news agency that his “1970s collection of vinyl records is now underwater”.<\/p>\n
Schoolteacher Patience Naa Adjeley Adjei said she had spent hours trying to keep water out of her room.<\/p>\n
“I have mopped my room more than eight times,” she told AFP. “I can’t even step out because my room is flooded, and outside is flooded.”<\/p>\n<\/div>\n