At least 13 people have died in Ghana's capital, Accra, after heavy rainfall caused severe flooding across parts of the city, the Ghana National Fire Service (GNFS) has confirmed.
Rescue Operations Underway
The flooding, which followed torrential rain on Sunday night, affected several low-lying communities, leaving homes, vehicles and businesses submerged. Rescue operations are ongoing as authorities warn that the death toll could increase.
Emergency teams, including personnel from the fire service, police, military and the National Disaster Management Organisation, have been deployed to affected areas to assist victims and protect lives and property.
Government Safety Advisory
The government has urged residents in flood-prone areas to remain indoors where possible or relocate to safer, higher ground as more rainfall is expected, according to BBC reports.
"Stay indoors if you are in a safe location," the president's office said in a statement. "Do not attempt to cross flooded roads, whether on foot or in a vehicle. If your home is being inundated, move immediately to higher ground and call 112 for emergency assistance."
The GNFS said more than 470 people had been rescued so far, while some residents remained trapped in their homes, as reported by Vanguard.
Climate Concerns and Infrastructure Challenges
President John Mahama said preliminary figures showed that about 140mm of rain fell on Accra, compared with the highest single-day rainfall of about 56mm recorded last year. The Ghana Meteorological Agency warned of additional rainfall and advised residents to avoid flooded areas.
Experts have linked recurring floods in Accra to poor drainage systems, blocked waterways and rapid urban development. WaterAid Ghana director Ewurabena Yanyi-Akofur said the disaster reflected wider climate and urban planning challenges.
"What we are witnessing in Accra is not an isolated weather event, but part of a pattern intensified by climate change and rapid, unplanned urbanisation," she said.
