Three-hour downpour triggers flooding across parts of Accra

A torrential downpour that lasted nearly three hours on Sunday afternoon has resulted in widespread flooding across several parts of Accra, causing major disruptions to daily activities.

T1he rainfall, which started around 3:00 PM, inundated communities such as Weija, Kaneshie, Adabraka, parts of Adentan-Dodowa, Tema, and surrounding areas. The flooding left roads submerged, vehicles stranded, and drains overwhelmed.

In central Accra, the Odaw drain overflowed its banks, compounding the flooding situation. Authorities have urged residents in affected communities to remain indoors and avoid wading through floodwaters due to the risk of contamination and potential outbreak of waterborne diseases.

The road linking Awudome Roundabout to the Awudome Cemetery and the Obetsebi Lamptey Interchange was entirely flooded, rendering it unusable.

Several vehicles stalled as water from blocked gutters spilled onto the road. Local youth volunteers assisted in directing traffic and preventing accidents.

In Adjei-Kojo Kanewu, a suburb in the Tema West Municipality, residents blamed persistent flooding on the activities of Letap Industries, a pharmaceutical company in the area.

They alleged that the company’s construction has obstructed the community’s drainage system, leading to frequent flooding. Residents are appealing to the government for immediate intervention.

Sunday’s flooding once again brings to light the urgent need for improved drainage infrastructure and better urban planning in Accra to mitigate the impact of seasonal rains.

Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith