Severe flooding has hit the North East Gonja District of Ghana's Savannah Region, leaving 246 residents without shelter and 93 houses collapsing. The floods, caused by torrential rains that began on Wednesday, have also destroyed food stocks, farm produce, and livestock. A key feeder road has been damaged, cutting off communities including Lantung Park, Kedingi, and Kanankula from surrounding areas.
The National Disaster Management Organisation (NADMO) led an assessment of the affected communities, documenting the extent of the damage and sending situation reports to its head office. NADMO's Savannah Regional Director, Mahama Zakaria, stated that relief items could reach affected residents within 48 hours. The organisation's immediate priority is to assess the damage and provide support to displaced residents.
Residents have suffered significant losses, with Luckman Musah reporting that floodwaters destroyed his bags of soybeans, maize, and rice, as well as his livestock. He appealed to the government and other organisations to provide urgent support to affected families. The losses extend beyond damaged homes, with residents warning that prolonged inaccessibility could worsen the economic impact of the floods.
The flooding has disrupted movement after a section of a feeder road linking the affected communities to the local market was washed away. The road is a key route for the movement of people, farm produce, and other goods. Eric, a business operator, stated that traders were already feeling the effect of the damaged road, which could also affect the movement of food and essential goods.
District officials have raised concerns about access to healthcare for residents in affected communities. The District Chief Executive for North East Gonja, Abdul Mumin Ewuntomah, confirmed that about 93 structures had collapsed across the district. He added that residents from around Bimbila who rely on the road to access the local market had also been cut off.
Ewuntomah 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. If the route is not fixed, many people will not be able to come to the market, affecting businesses and livelihoods. The disruption could have a significant impact on the local economy.
NADMO's Zakaria and district officials are working to provide support to affected residents. Relief items are expected to arrive within 48 hours. The flooding has highlighted the need for emergency preparedness and response measures to mitigate the impact of such disasters on local communities.
Key points
- 93 houses have collapsed in the North East Gonja District.
- 246 residents have been left without shelter due to the floods.
- A key feeder road has been damaged, disrupting movement and economic activity.
