The Ghana Meteorological Agency (GMeT) has issued a warning about the likelihood of more rain in the Lower Volta basin area, where many residents have been displaced due to the spillage of excess water from the Akosombo Dam.
The agency has called on the National Disaster Management Organization (NADMO) and other relevant agencies to take immediate measures to relocate people to safer areas.
Felicity Ahafianyo, the Head of Central Analysis and Forecasting for GMeT, emphasized that flood victims should heed NADMO’s admonishing and move to safer locations promptly. She noted, “Rain is still in the forecast for North Tongu and its environs. Between now and the 23rd of October, rain is still in the forecast over the lower Volta basin area.”
“I think from our point, we will also add our voice for our brothers and sisters to relocate, and listen to the authorities, NADMO, VRA, and all other authorities. They should relocate to a safer place,” she added.
Residents in Mepe, located in the North Tongu district, and various parts of the Volta region are currently grappling with a crisis of significant proportion after the recent spillage of excess water from the Akosombo Dam has led to the submerging of their homes.
This move, while necessary to maintain dam integrity, has brought a slew of challenges for the Mepe community and its surrounding areas.
Farmlands, residences, and even cemeteries are now submerged under floodwaters. This flooding has disrupted crucial services, resulting in the suspension of water and electricity supplies. Consequently, residents are contending with the multifaceted consequences of this flooding.
The Volta River Authority (VRA) has explained that the spillage is necessitated by heavy rains upstream, causing the Akosombo and Kpong dams to rapidly reach capacity. Despite being hydroelectric in nature, VRA engineers have stressed the critical importance of regulating water levels within the dams to prevent potential dam failure.
