A consolidated report on flood situation in Southern Ghana - June 2010 Floods

Background

The Coastal Regions of Southern Ghana experienced prolonged heavy (torrential) rainfall for a period of up to five (5) consecutive days starting on 20th June 2010. This resulted in severe flooding affecting several parts of Greater Accra, Central, Volta, Eastern and Western Regions. As of 7th July, the latest NADMO reports indicated that at least 33,602 people were affected with up to 15,000 displaced - living in temporary shelters and 36 dead. The destruction caused by the flash floods has been immense especially in Central Region where a whole Township of Swedru was rendered non-commercial for a period of four days following collapse of three bridges connecting the town to the rest of the region.

NADMO has been in the forefront of coordinating the rescue operation and relief response to the flood victims. However, as the situation continues to worsen and many parts of the country become affected; their capacity has been overwhelmed mainly with regards to provision of relief assistance. As a result, the Inter-Agency Working Group resolved to undertake a rapid joint mission to the worst affected areas to assess the situation, understand the magnitude of the effects of the flood and finally be in a position to mobilize for additional support for NADMO.

On July 2nd, a team comprising of UNFPA, WFP, WHO, IOM, UNESCO, OCHA, World Vision, Presbyterian Relief Service and Development, Ghana Red Cross, NADMO and the District Assembly of Swedru visited at least two districts in Central Region reported to have been worst affected. They included: Agona West district - Nyakrom, Swedru Township and Gomoa East Districts - Tekyiam, Ekwamkrom. The team observed that several houses and business premises had either collapsed or had been submerged rendering thousands homeless. In addition at least three communities had been marooned following the collapse of bridges and several acres of farm land (400) inundated destroying maize, cassava, pepper, tomatoes, rice crops etc

The objective of this report

The purpose of this assessment report is to consolidate existing information available on the humanitarian situation and to provide the UN and other humanitarian partners with relevant data to inform the design of a coordinated approach and appropriate response in the flood affected areas.