NADMO is taking initiatives to help citizens during flooding – NADMO director
Mr George Kwadwo Ayisi, Director of Communications for the National Disaster Management Organization (NADMO) has stated that the organization is taking initiatives to help citizens cope with floods.
He added that recurring flooding had been an issue in most parts of the capital and that the organization had recognized such areas, and that attempts were being taken to mitigate the situation.
Mr Ayisi told the Ghana News Agency on Monday, October 18, 2021, that some of the initiatives taken include cooperating with the Meteorological Department to offer daily weather reports.
“When we receive these daily reports, we relay them to our Regional and Districts officers who then relay same to people in their districts communities for them to prepare in case of any rains,” he indicated.
He said NADMO has identified various ‘Safe Heavens’ including the Independence Square and the Holy Spirit Cathedral in Accra, where people in flood-prone neighbourhoods may seek shelter during heavy downpours.
“One of the things we’ve used is community sensitization. People are being engaged at the community level and informed on what to do when it rains, and we’re partnering with a number of Assemblies to undertake some dredging in select areas,” Mr Ayisi.
He explained that the government built new drains in several districts of Accra last year to alleviate floods and that the Ministry of Works and Housing is currently dredging the Odaw drain, as well as Kaneshie, Kwame Nkrumah Circle, and nearby neighbourhoods.
The Director of Communications emphasized that while inconveniences were unavoidable where flash flooding occurred in people’s homes, NADMO only intervened where people’s lives and livelihoods were in jeopardy.
“In such situations, we ascertain the degree of the damage caused, and if there is the need to support with some relief items, we go-ahead to do that,” he added.
In his caution to the public about the current changes in the weather pattern, Mr Ayisi said “Move away to safe places anytime the rains come, exercise patience and stay at home or a safe place when it’s about to rain. Do not drive or walk in floodwaters and let us advise our children not to play in floodwaters”.
Source: Richard Mensah Adonu | Join our Telegram Group
