Central Region floods and landslides kill 18, affect more than 5,000 residents

The National Disaster Management Organisation (NADMO) says severe flooding, mudslides, landslides and building collapses across Ghana's Central Region have killed 18 people and affected more than 5,000 residents.

According to the Central Regional Director of NADMO, Kwesi Dawood, the disasters have impacted 13 districts, with dozens of homes and structures destroyed in recent weeks.

Speaking to Citi News, Mr Dawood said 58 buildings had collapsed, leaving 377 people displaced and in need of immediate assistance.

"Out of these 58 building collapse cases, we have 377 internally displaced persons that we are attending to currently," he said. "In addition, we have over 5,000 flood disaster victims spread across 13 districts, aside from those affected by the building collapse incidents. We have also recorded 18 deaths."

NADMO says it is carrying out a comprehensive assessment of affected communities to determine the scale of humanitarian support required.

The agency has also appealed for urgent assistance, warning that its stock of relief supplies has been significantly depleted after months of recurring flood-related emergencies.

"We are appealing to Corporate Ghana, non-governmental organisations, faith-based organisations, philanthropists and individuals to support us with relief items for the affected victims. We need urgent relief assistance," Mr Dawood said.

Authorities are also taking steps to prevent potential disease outbreaks in affected areas. NADMO is working with the Hydrological Authority, National Security, environmental health officials and the Ghana Health Service to fumigate communities inundated by floodwaters.

Mr Dawood said the intervention became necessary after several cemeteries were submerged during the floods, raising public health concerns.

"When such incidents occur, there is a need for thorough fumigation to prevent waterborne diseases and other health risks that could lead to an epidemic," he said.

He also praised the Ghana Police Service and the Ghana National Fire Service for their efforts in rescue operations and emergency response during the disasters.