Torrential rains in the North East Gonja District of the Savannah Region have left 246 residents homeless and destroyed 93 houses. The floods, triggered by continuous rainfall that began on Wednesday, have also wiped out food stocks, farm produce, and livestock. The affected communities are in dire need of assistance as they struggle to come to terms with the devastating impact of the floods.
The floods have cut off Lantung Park, Kedingi, and Kanankula from surrounding communities after a key feeder road was washed away. This has severely disrupted trade and economic activities in the area, with business operators and residents expressing concerns about the impact on their livelihoods. The District Chief Executive for North East Gonja, Abdul Mumin Ewuntomah, has appealed to the National Security, the Minister of Roads and Highways, and the Department of Feeder Roads to treat the damage to the road as an emergency.
The National Disaster Management Organisation (NADMO) has documented the extent of the damage and sent situation reports to its head office. NADMO's Savannah Regional Director, Mahama Zakaria, who led an assessment of the affected areas, said relief items could reach displaced residents within 48 hours. The organisation's immediate priority is to assess the damage and provide support to residents who have been displaced.
For residents, the losses go beyond shelter. Luckman Musah lost bags of soybeans, maize, and rice, along with his livestock, to the floods. He is among many residents who are appealing to the government and other stakeholders to come to their aid. The floods have not only destroyed homes but also affected the livelihoods of residents, who are now struggling to access basic necessities.
The washed-out feeder road has hit trade hardest, with business operators expressing concerns about the impact on their businesses. Eric, a business operator, said the damaged road has affected his business because customers and traders can no longer move freely between the communities and the market. The movement of food and other essential goods could also be affected by this development.
District officials have raised concerns about access to healthcare for residents in affected communities. With the feeder road washed away, residents may face challenges accessing medical care, which could exacerbate the humanitarian crisis. The District Chief Executive, Abdul Mumin Ewuntomah, has highlighted the importance of fixing the road to ensure that residents can access essential services.
Relief efforts are underway, with NADMO promising to provide support to displaced residents. The organisation's Savannah Regional Director, Mahama Zakaria, has assured residents that relief items will be delivered within 48 hours. The government and other stakeholders are expected to provide further assistance to affected communities in the coming days.
Key points
- 246 residents left homeless and 93 houses destroyed in floods
- Feeder road washed away, disrupting trade and economic activities
- Relief efforts underway, with NADMO promising to provide support to displaced residents
