Two persons have reportedly been swept away while one other person has been rescued after a devastating flood hit parts of Wassa Akropong and surrounding communities in the Wassa Amenfi East Municipality of the Western Region.
The flooding, which followed a torrential downpour on Thursday, destroyed several properties and displaced many residents. Some residents have blamed the disaster on illegal mining activities, silted waterways, and the construction of buildings along drainage channels.
According to residents, the heavy rainstorm, which lasted for nearly five hours, caused streams and drains to overflow, sending floodwaters through homes, shops, and roads.
Eyewitnesses said two individuals were carried away by strong currents during the flooding, while one person was rescued by residents and emergency volunteers. Search efforts are ongoing to locate the missing victims.
Affected residents say illegal mining activities in and around Wassa Akropong have contributed to the silting of rivers, streams, and drainage channels, reducing their ability to contain large volumes of rainwater.
They explained that whenever there is heavy rainfall, the blocked waterways overflow and flood residential areas, resulting in extensive damage to lives and property.
Some community members also accused individuals and companies of constructing buildings on waterways and drainage paths, which they say obstruct the natural flow of water and worsen flooding.
Residents expressed frustration over what they described as inadequate enforcement of environmental and building regulations, despite several complaints and warnings about illegal mining and unauthorized structures.
The floodwaters submerged several homes and businesses, destroying furniture, electrical appliances, clothing, food items, and other valuables worth thousands of Ghana cedis.
Several families were forced to leave their homes as water levels rose, while others spent hours trying to salvage their belongings.
The residents are appealing to the Wassa Amenfi East Municipal Assembly, the National Disaster Management Organisation (NADMO), and other relevant agencies to urgently intervene.
They are calling for the dredging and desilting of waterways, strict action against illegal mining operators, and the removal of structures built on drainage channels.
They warned that without urgent intervention, future rainstorms could lead to more severe consequences, including loss of lives and destruction of infrastructure.
The affected residents have also appealed to government and humanitarian organisations for relief support.
Meanwhile, Samuel Mensah, an aspiring NDC Youth Organizer for the Wassa Amenfi East Constituency, has called on authorities to take decisive action against structures obstructing waterways.
According to him, many buildings within the municipality have been constructed on drainage channels, making it difficult for floodwaters to flow freely during heavy rains.
Mr. Mensah stressed that unless planning regulations are enforced and structures built on waterways are removed, flooding will continue to threaten residents.
He further urged government agencies to intensify efforts to tackle illegal mining activities, which he said continue to damage the environment and contribute to flooding in the area.
Source: Starrfm.com.gh/ Yaw Boagyan
