The death toll from devastating floods that swept across parts of Ghana in recent weeks has risen to 34, with authorities warning the number could increase as search and verification efforts continue.
Richard Amo Yartey, Director of Inspectorate at the National Disaster Management Organisation (NADMO), said 12 of the confirmed deaths occurred in the capital, Accra, while the nationwide toll stood at 34.
“The death toll in Accra is 12, across the country is 34, but it could go up,” Amo Yartey said in an interview with TV3 on Thursday.
“If we do the matching and realise that some of the people missing have been found dead, then the death toll will increase and those listed as missing will reduce,” he added.
The floods, triggered by heavy rains on June 29, affected seven regions, inundating homes, damaging infrastructure and forcing thousands of people from their communities.
According to NADMO, 89,736 people have been displaced nationwide.
Meanwhile, the Ghana Armed Forces (GAF) will deploy troops, engineers and specialised equipment to clear drains, rivers and waterways following devastating floods that swept through parts of the country last week, officials said on Friday.
The nationwide operation follows heavy rains on June 28 and 29 that triggered widespread flooding, damaging infrastructure, displacing residents and exposing major blockages in drainage systems.
Brigadier General Forster Okae-Yeboah, Director General of Joint Operations at the Ghana Armed Forces (GAF), said the exercise forms part of a government-led flood recovery programme aimed at restoring critical infrastructure and reducing the risk of future flooding.
“Particular attention will be given to the removal of refuse, silt, fallen trees, abandoned vehicles, collapsed structures, and other debris obstructing roads, bridges, drains, and waterways,” Okae-Yeboah told a news conference in Accra.
He said military engineers and specialised equipment would be deployed to remove obstructions that have impeded the flow of water in affected areas.
