Rains leave Koforidua flooded

A rainfall Thursday afternoon has left the Eastern Regional capital of Koforidua flooded.

The floods destroyed almost everything. Scores of people whose homes the flood waters violently entered have also been displaced.

The rains started at 11:50 and lasted for about an hour. Its destruction of properties will however linger for a long time as many people are still in shock over the intensity, and sheer destruction.

Heavily affected areas included Nsukwao, where the Nsukwao River overflowed it's banks displacing hundreds of people who live in and around that part of Koforidua.

Also affected are residents of Sentimental, Zongo, Musuko and Two Streams, all suburbs of Koforidua.

Traders at the Central Business District (CBD) were not spared. The flood water virtually submerged the entire market leaving items being sold including even some in shops floating freely.

No death was recorded as of 5pm. However, the Eastern Regional National Disaster Management Organization (NADMO) official in charge of Operations, Mr Alfred Owiredu Agyemang said but for the bravery of some youth at Sentimental, a child would have been carried away.

"We are told that the child is now receiving treatment at the Central Hospital," he told Graphic Online.

Beyond control

This is not the first time Koforidua is getting flooded but Mr Owiredu Agyemang described this as "beyond control."

In some of the homes, the water was up to peoples' waist.

"The extent of damage has been enormous", he stated.

The floods also caused a heavy gridlock in and around the CBD.Cause

Mr Owiredu Agyemang attributed the flooding to the inability of the drains in the township to convey the running water.

According to him, the drains were constructed many years ago and have currently outlived their usefulness.

"The rains were heavy but that notwithstanding, drainages have outlived their purpose. Most of the drains were constructed about 50 years ago and are unable to carry the volume of water," he stated.

Mr Agyemang also attributed the situation to poor sanitation which has caused the already small drains to be filled with refuse and other debris.

Nadmo is currently visiting severely affected communities to assess the extent of damage.