Deadly Floods Submerge Ghana’s Capital, Killing at Least 13 as Another Storm Approaches

At least 13 people have died in Ghana’s capital, Accra, after torrential rains triggered severe flooding that submerged homes, destroyed buildings and cut off major roads, with authorities warning that another storm approaching from the east could bring further devastation.

The downpour, which began on Sunday night, dumped approximately 140 millimetres of rain on Accra, more than double the highest single-day rainfall recorded in the city last year. President John Mahama attributed the unusually intense rainfall to the growing impact of climate change. Low-lying areas were particularly hard hit, with floodwaters swallowing homes, vehicles and businesses. Videos circulating on social media show residents swimming through neck-deep water to rescue trapped neighbours.

The Ghana National Fire Service confirmed that rescue teams have saved more than 470 people so far, but warned the death toll could rise as search and recovery operations continue. Among the confirmed fatalities are a mother and her child who were swept away in the Achimota-Agbogbloshie district. Other deaths were recorded in Alajo, Odawna and Tema Newtown. At least one elderly person remains missing.

Emergency response teams from the police, fire service, military and the National Disaster Management Organisation have been deployed across the city. However, access to affected areas has been a major challenge for emergency services, forcing them to request military assistance. The floods also triggered a major fire at a rubber factory, while power supply was temporarily shut down in parts of the capital after floodwaters affected multiple substations, posing significant risks to electrical equipment and personnel.

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The government has urged residents to stay indoors or move to higher ground. “Do not attempt to cross flooded roads, whether on foot or in a vehicle,” the president’s office said in a statement. President Mahama, after conducting an aerial tour of the city, ordered the demolition of all illegal structures built on waterways. “The irresponsible actions of a few individuals end up putting entire communities at risk,” he said.

The Ghana Meteorological Agency has warned that more rain is expected to affect parts of southern Ghana, including Accra, on Tuesday, raising the risk of further flooding. The agency advised residents to avoid sheltering under trees, stay clear of exposed electrical wires and never attempt to walk or drive through floodwaters.

Flooding in Accra is exacerbated by a poor drainage system, including clogged gutters and the construction of illegal structures on waterways. The disaster has revived painful memories of the devastating floods in 2015, when floodwaters triggered an explosion at a fuel station that killed about 150 people.

Accra, one of the fastest-growing cities in Africa with a population of more than four million, remains on high alert as the approaching storm threatens to compound the crisis. WaterAid Ghana’s director called for stronger urban planning and preparedness measures to safeguard communities before, during and after extreme weather events.

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