The recent flooding in the Hohoe Municipality of Ghana's Volta Region has had a devastating impact on the local community, displacing over 3,000 residents and affecting more than 400 homes. The flooding, which occurred over the weekend, was caused by the overflow of the River Dayi, which originates in the mountainous areas along the Ghana-Togo border. Several communities along the river have been affected, with Hohoe Zongo being one of the worst-hit areas.
According to Member of Parliament for Buem, Kofi Adams, the situation in the affected areas is "pretty terrible", with many residents left without shelter after their homes and properties were damaged. He attributed the flooding to days of heavy rainfall in Togo, which caused water levels in the River Dayi to rise significantly. The flooding has also disrupted movement and connectivity between some communities due to the collapse of a major bridge.
The bridge collapse occurred early in the morning when there were relatively few people around, and it is reported that two or three people may have sustained injuries. However, Mr. Adams stressed that the incident could have resulted in a much higher number of casualties had it occurred at a busier time. In addition to the bridge collapse, the flooding has also washed away sections of roads, cutting off links between some communities.
The government has responded to the situation, with the Roads Minister contacting the regional directors of the Ghana Highways Authority in the Oti and Volta Regions to mobilize contractors and engineers to assist with emergency works. The National Disaster Management Organisation (NADMO) and other security agencies are also involved in the response efforts, while community members and private individuals have offered accommodation to some displaced residents.
Mr. Adams said authorities are awaiting a full assessment of the extent of the damage to determine the additional interventions required. He also highlighted the need to prevent a possible water-related health crisis in the affected communities, with efforts being made to supply strategic water to some areas and sensitize residents on the need to boil water before drinking or using it.
The Member of Parliament for Hohoe, Thomas Worlanyo Tsekpo, has appealed for urgent support for residents affected by the floods, stating that the situation is overwhelming and that the MP and the Municipal Chief Executive alone cannot manage it. The ongoing interventions are expected to help restore damaged road links and improve access to communities that have been cut off by the flooding.
The flooding in the Volta Region highlights the need for effective disaster management and mitigation strategies in Ghana. The government's response to the situation has been swift, but more needs to be done to support the affected communities and prevent similar disasters in the future. The situation remains challenging for the residents of Buem and Hohoe, who are struggling to come to terms with the devastating impact of the flooding.
Key points
- Over 3,000 residents have been displaced by the flooding in the Hohoe Municipality.
- The flooding has damaged homes, roads, and bridges in several communities along the River Dayi.
- The government has responded to the situation with emergency works and relief efforts, but more support is needed to help the affected communities.
