At least nine people are feared dead after torrential rains triggered catastrophic flooding across large swaths of the Awutu Senya East Municipality on June 29, leaving a trail of destruction and forcing hundreds of residents to flee for their lives.
The downpour, which began in the early hours and intensified through the day, swelled waterways and inundated entire neighbourhoods.
In the hardest-hit Dokutsekope community, eyewitnesses described the sudden surge as “devastating,” with floodwaters rising to the window level of storey buildings, trapping families inside their homes.
“We have never seen anything like this,” one resident said.
“The water came so fast, people were climbing onto rooftops, crying for help.”
The situation was equally dire in neighbouring Gao Line and Kpormetey, where rescuers from the National Disaster Management Organisation (NADMO), alongside security agencies, were forced to navigate submerged streets using canoes to reach stranded victims, including many children and elderly persons.
Joseph Gwensen, who led the rescue operation, confirmed that several people remained trapped in their homes as of late evening, and warned that the death toll could rise as search efforts continue.
However, the rescue mission has been hampered by a severe lack of boats, life vests, and emergency vehicles. Frustrated residents expressed outrage at what they called a “woefully inadequate” response, accusing NADMO of being ill-equipped to handle the scale of the disaster.
“Where are the resources? Our people are drowning, and we are watching them from the shore because there are not enough canoes,” lamented a community leader.
“We are calling on the government to immediately resource NADMO; this cannot continue to happen every rainy season.”
The municipality has declared an emergency alert, with temporary shelters being set up for displaced families. However, with more rain forecast in the coming days, authorities fear the situation may worsen.
Efforts to reach the Municipal Chief Executive for comment were unsuccessful as of press time.
NADMO has promised to release an official statement on casualty figures and relief measures by tomorrow morning.
