More rain is expected in the lower Volta basin area. Many people have had to leave because of the overflow of water from the Akosombo Dam, as warned by the Ghana Meteorological Agency (GMeT).
The National Disaster Management Organisation (NADMO) and other groups have been asked by the agency to try and move people to safer places.
For those affected by the floods, it’s important to follow NADMO’s instructions and move to a safer location right away. This will help reduce the risks, says Felicity Ahafianyo, who leads the Central Analysis and Forecasting team at GMeT.
The rain is expected to continue in North Tongu and nearby areas, as well as in the lower Volta basin region until October 23rd, according to her.
She also added, “From our point of view, we strongly recommend that our fellow citizens listen to the advice of NADMO, VRA, and other authorities. They should move to a safer place.”
There is a significant disruption affecting the residents of Mepe in the North Tongu district and several places in the Volta region. Due to the recent leakage of the Akosombo Dam, people had to find higher ground to stay safe, causing serious damage to their homes.
The Volta River Authority (VRA) had to release extra water from the Akosombo and Kpong hydroelectric dams, which led to this unfortunate situation. While it was necessary for the stability of the dam, it created many challenges for the Mepe community and its surroundings.
Because of the flooding, farms, houses, and even cemeteries are now submerged underwater. This flooding has disrupted the supply of electricity and water. As a result, residents are dealing with the complex effects of the flood.
The Volta River Authority (VRA) explains that the spillage was necessary because both dams quickly filled up with water due to heavy rains upstream. Engineers at VRA emphasize the importance of maintaining the water levels within the dams to prevent any potential dam failures, even though they are hydroelectric structures.
It is believed that this controlled release of water is essential to protect the structural integrity of the dams.
