Govt cautions against taking shelter at fuel stations
The June 3 twin disaster at a GOIL fuel station that claimed 152 lives has compelled the government to caution the public against taking shelter at flammable locations when it is raining.
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A statement issued by the Minister of Communications, Dr Edward Omane Boamah, urged the public to take precautionary measures to guard against further calamities.
“As the rains pour, the ground is getting saturated, and there will be isolated floods in a number of locations. Some roads will also have flowing water, requiring that motorists be careful and alert.
“Residents are advised to avoid walking or driving through fast-running water currents, and preferably remain on higher ground or park at safer locations,” it said.
Last Sunday’s rain resulted in a massive gridlock on the Kasoa-Accra road.
According to the statement, officials of the National Disaster Management Organisation (NADMO), the Ghana National Fire Service (GNFS) and the Ghana Police Service had inspected the road and identified the cause of the blockade of the Kasoa- Accra end of the highway as the result of sand from nearby hills that washed unto the road by the rains.
The statement, therefore, advised motorists to drive slowly and carefully and respect road traffic measures in place while the emergency services work to clear the sand.
Medical bills
The government has made an initial payment of GH¢ 501,500 to four hospitals in Accra to cover the cost of medical treatment for the victims of the June 3, 2015 disaster.
The beneficiaries are: the Korle Bu Teaching Hospital (GH¢ 98,800); 37 Military Hospital (GH¢ 306,600); Ridge hospital (GH¢ 60,200) and Ghana Police Hospital (GH¢ 35,000).
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According to a statement issued by the Deputy Minister of Health, Dr Victor A Bampoe, the amount covered the medical expenses of 151 victims.
The statement said 71 of the victims had been treated and discharged, while the remaining 80 were in critical condition.
Background
On June 3, 2015, a rainstorm hit Accra and nearby communities causing flooding in low- lying areas of Accra.
During the flood, the GOIL fuel station at the Kwame Nkrumah Circle caught fire, killing scores of people as a result.
The disaster left in its wake widespread devastation of properties of residents of Accra.
The government has launched a National Disaster Fund which is complemented by many organisations to provide relief to the flood and fire victims.
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“As the rains pour, the ground is getting saturated, and there will be isolated floods in a number of locations. Some roads will also have flowing water, requiring that motorists be careful and alert.”