Over 8,000 people have been rescued from flood-stricken areas as a result of the Akosombo Dam’s devastating spillage by the Ghana Navy.
During an update on the floods at Mepe in the Volta Region, Commodore EA Kwafo of the Naval Training Command stated that the combined rescue team deployed to the affected districts is currently monitoring critical infrastructure and responding to distress calls in order to mitigate the impact of the spillage.
Mr. Kwafo noted that if the rescuers are overwhelmed by the current efforts, more men and logistics will be dispatched.
“We are monitoring critical infrastructure as well as responding to distress calls from the district assemblies, VRA, and NADMO and we have been rescuing people on the water and we are monitoring the estuary because it becomes a deathtrap in times of flooding.
“We were keeping watch on critical infrastructure and as of yesterday evening, we had evacuated over 8,000 flood-stricken people to safe havens and we have brought over ten more boats downstream and experienced divers and lifesavers to assist in the rescue efforts.”
“Depending on how it goes, we may bring in more facilities and more personnel or if the situation improves, then, we may be keeping a watch anyway and we are ready to respond to any distress call and help save lives and properties to help mitigate the losses during this difficult times,” Commodore EA Kwafo said.
Due to a persistent rise in the inflow pattern and water level of the Akosombo reservoir, the Volta Revier Authority (VRAA) began controlled water spillage from the Akosombo and Kpong Dams on September 15, 2023.
The spillage has led to many homes in South Tongu, North Tongu, Central Tongu, Asuogyaman, and other areas submerged.
Meanwhile, the Volta River Authority (VRA) has assured residents and communities affected by the spillage of the Akosombo Dam that no one will be left behind as the authority intensifies the distribution of relief items.
According to the Chief Executive Officer of the VRA Emmanuel Antwi-Darkwa, the affected communities are direct neighbours of the authority and they will do everything possible to get them back to comfort.
“VRA vows to stand with these communities until the spilling ends. We are committed to intensifying the relief supplies for the affected communities,” a statement by the VRA said.
