The season of rain is here, so also is the threat of floods. This has become a cycle, perennial even if avoidable.
Every year, Ghanaians, across the 16 regions of the country, face at least three months of battling against heavy rains that could lead to deadly, destructive flooding.
Before now, flooding is limited to the Accra, the capital city, but with urbanization and indiscriminate building, the phenomenon has spread to almost all the regions of the country.
This year is not going to be any different, as the nation is gradually preparing to receive the rain, curiously, over the years, the emphasis is on what should be done when the rains and the floods happen, the relief materials to be given to victims. Little attention is paid to the causative factors in any flood disaster.
For the avoidance of doubt, we recognize the fact that floods occur naturally. The issue is the preparations made to manage the flood to prevent it from becoming a disaster agent. This requires proactive thinking and planning which are presently not sufficient if not lacking.
It may, therefore, seem convenient to blame nature for taking its course when tragic situations follow in its wake.
The three hour downpour in Accra on Tuesday March 7, is a reminder of what is to come. The rains which started around 3:40 am, was preceded by startling lightning and thunder ravaging through the air.
Areas such as Circle, Ogbojo, Shiashi, Kasoa old barrier, Weija, Dansoman, Lapaz, all got flooded.
Also, commuters living around Kasoa old barrier, Weija, Dansoman, Lapaz had a tough time manoeuvring through the water.
According to a report by Citi Newsroom, two minors are reported dead after Tuesday morning’s torrential rain which also destroyed properties worth thousands of cedis at Baba Dogo in Bortianor in the Ngleshie Amanfro constituency.
According to eyewitnesses, the building housing the two children and their mother collapsed killing the children.
The mother in a bid to move his two children to safety was unable to do so as rushing water carried the two children away.
In our considered opinion, and from experience, it is important to pay particular attention to the confluence areas.
We urge National Disaster Management Organisation (NADMO) to start early education and if possible, red alert as regards possible flooding to give a heads up to the people and enable those living near the confluence zone enough time to relocate to higher grounds.
Above all, we cannot stop appealing to the people to take care of the environment around them. Proper disposal of refuse is one way of making the channels free and flooding avoidable.
