Flooding in Accra Claims Four Lives, Displaces Thousands Amid Severe Weather

Heavy rains in Accra, Ghana, on May 18, 2025, caused severe flooding, leading to four fatalities and displacing over 3,000 residents across the city. Key neighborhoods faced significant disruption, with blocked roads and stranded vehicles. Weather warnings have been issued as more thunderstorms are anticipated, prompting officials to advise residents in flood-prone areas to seek safety.

Severe flooding in Accra, Ghana, has resulted in the tragic deaths of four individuals and the displacement of over 3,000 residents on May 18, 2025. The heavy rainfall, which registered at approximately 132.20 mm (5.2 inches), particularly impacted regions within Greater Accra. Three fatalities occurred in Abokobi, while one was reported in Adenta, underlining the devastating toll of the weather event on local communities.

The flooding affected numerous neighborhoods throughout Accra, including Weija, Kaneshie, Adabraka, Adentan-Dodowa, Oyarifa, and parts of Tema. Rising waters rendered vehicles stranded and obstructed critical roadways, severely disrupting traffic patterns and daily life for residents. The aftermath has left many citizens questioning their safety and the region’s preparedness for such natural disasters.

According to the Ghana Meteorological Agency (GMet), the storm system that caused this calamity migrated westward from neighboring Benin and Togo. GMet further indicated that additional cloud cover, thunderstorms, and rainfall were likely to follow, posing continued risks to Ghana’s coastal, middle, transition, and northern regions.

In light of the ongoing weather concerns, GMet issued a weather warning on May 21, highlighting forecasts of more thunderstorms and moderate to heavy rainfall across parts of the country. The advisories specifically pertained to regions vulnerable to flooding, indicating that the dangers were far from over.

Mr. Adu Bonsu Gabriel, Director of the National Disaster Management Organization (NADMO) in the Ahafo region, emphasized the urgency for individuals residing in flood-prone areas to relocate to safer locales. He stressed that taking preemptive measures could be key in mitigating future disaster impacts, urging local communities to heed official warnings and act swiftly.

In summary, the flooding in Accra, triggered by unprecedented rainfall, has claimed four lives and displaced thousands. The affected areas have faced significant disruptions, with roads blocked and thousands forced from their homes. With further adverse weather conditions on the horizon, local authorities are urging residents in vulnerable regions to prioritize their safety and seek higher ground, reflecting the need for diligence in disaster preparedness.

Original Source: watchers.news