ACCRA, Ghana (AP) – Flash floods killed six people and drove tens of thousands from their homes in Ghana’s capital, leaving relief workers scrambling Thursday to find food and shelter for the displaced.
The floods started after five hours of heavy rain Wednesday, wreaking havoc in several densely populated, low-income neighborhoods.
One of the people killed was an 11-year-old girl who was trying to retrieve household goods that were being washed away, authorities said.
Thousands of homes were flooded., and security forces used helicopters to pluck stranded people from the water.
Ghana’s National Disaster Management Organization said it was desperate for supplies.
“We don’t have any relief items for the displaced. We need mattresses and unless we get immediate help, there is nothing we can offer,” said Eunice Asamani Osae, a director for the disaster agency.
“We are really handicapped and frustrated,” Osae said.
Housing Minister Kwamena Bartels blamed the disaster on poor drainage and bad city planning.
Accra and other Ghanaian coastal cities often suffer flooding in June and July, when the rainy season is at its peak.
Source: GhanaWeb
