Flooding Forces Evacuations and Traps Residents in Dawhenya

Dawhenya: Torrential rains on Monday have left several communities within the Dawhenya Township heavily flooded, displacing some residents and trapping others in their homes. Mr. Moses Kutor, the Assembly Member for North Dawhenya, reported that he, along with officials from the National Disaster Management Organisation (NADMO), has been on the ground since 0330 hours to monitor the situation and coordinate rescue efforts.

According to Ghana News Agency, Mr. Kutor described the flooding as severe and emphasized the need for urgent structural interventions to prevent recurring disasters. He stated that the devastation impacted multiple communities, including the Miotso enclave, Adote, and the Dawhenya Township itself. "We were on the field before daybreak and visited areas around the Miotso enclave, Adote, and the Dawhenya township itself," he noted.

The flood damage was particularly concentrated around the Lighthouse enclave, where emergency teams focused their rescue operations to assist residents trapped by rising floodwaters. Mr. Kutor pointed out that while the rainfall was intense, human activities significantly worsened the situation, with preliminary assessments indicating that construction on natural waterways was a major cause of the flooding.

He cautioned residents against disposing of refuse into drains and waterways, a practice that contributes to blockages and exacerbates flooding. Mr. Kutor also highlighted the infrastructure deficit in the area, noting the lack of engineered drainage systems, which causes stormwater to flow directly onto roads and residential areas.

Residents in flood-prone communities were advised to prioritize their safety during heavy rains. "If you find yourself or your structure on a waterway, you shouldn't stay in the room when it rains. You should vacate the place," he advised. Mr. Kutor committed to continuing his engagement with the Ningo-Prampram District Assembly and other relevant authorities to advocate for the construction of proper drainage systems to mitigate future flooding.