At least 13 people have died in widespread flooding across southern Ghana, with the capital Accra now bracing for a second tropical storm that is expected to make landfall within 48 hours. The National Disaster Management Organisation (NADMO) confirmed the death toll on Wednesday, warning that the number could rise as rescue teams reach isolated communities.
The flooding, triggered by torrential rains over the past 72 hours, has submerged entire neighbourhoods in the Greater Accra and Central regions. In Accra’s low-lying areas, such as Jamestown and Osu, water levels reached two metres in some places, forcing residents to seek refuge on rooftops. Emergency services have rescued more than 200 people so far, but officials fear many remain trapped.
President Nana Akufo-Addo has declared a state of emergency in the affected districts and deployed the military to assist with relief efforts. Speaking from the presidential palace, he described the situation as “a national crisis” and appealed for international assistance. “We are facing an unprecedented natural disaster. The next 24 hours will be critical,” he said.
The meteorological department has issued a red alert for a second storm, currently churning in the Gulf of Guinea, which is forecast to intensify before reaching Ghana’s coast on Friday. Forecasters predict rainfall of up to 300 millimetres in some areas, exacerbating already saturated ground and overwhelming drainage systems.
Health authorities have set up temporary clinics to treat waterborne diseases and are distributing chlorine tablets as reports of cholera cases emerge. The flooding has also damaged key infrastructure, including bridges on the Accra-Kumasi highway, disrupting supply chains and isolating northern regions.
International partners, including the United Nations and the African Union, have pledged rapid support. The UK’s Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office announced an initial £2 million in humanitarian aid. “Our thoughts are with the people of Ghana. We stand ready to assist,” said a spokesperson.
As the clean-up and rescue operations continue, the focus now turns to preparedness for the second storm. Evacuation orders have been issued for coastal communities, with schools and public buildings converted into shelters. “We are in a race against time,” said NADMO coordinator Joseph Amankwah. “Every minute counts.”
The flooding underscores the growing vulnerability of West African nations to extreme weather events, widely linked to climate change. Ghana’s government has pledged to review its disaster management infrastructure, but for now, the immediate priority remains saving lives.
