Heavy rainfall kills dozens in Ghana, Ivory Coast

Rescue Efforts Underway as Floods and Landslides Hit Ghana and Ivory Coast

Crews have rescued over 400 people from flooded areas in Ghana’s capital city, Accra, according to Greater Accra Regional Fire Commander Rashid Kwame Nisawu. The rescue efforts began on Monday after torrential rains submerged homes and roads across the city.

At least 12 people were confirmed dead on Tuesday, with more deaths possible as several individuals are still missing, said Alex King Nartey, a spokesperson for Ghana’s National Fire Service. Emergency calls started early in the morning as residents realized floodwaters were entering their homes, according to Mariam Dongyela Millah, deputy director of communications at the disaster agency.

In the Ivory Coast, rainfall began on Saturday and caused casualties, although the exact death toll is not yet known. Ghanaian Interior Minister Mohammed Muntaka Mubarak acknowledged that the government’s response to the heavy rainfall could have been improved.

President John Mahama stated in a post on X that approximately 140 millimeters of rain fell on Accra, which is significantly higher than last year’s record of 56 millimeters. He attributed the issue to changing climatic conditions and human behavior, pledging to crack down on illegal structures blocking waterways.

Ghana’s Meteorological Agency has urged locals in Accra to prepare for more rain this week.

Source: Al Jazeera