Floods leave 246 without shelter as 93 houses collapse in North East Gonja

Torrential rains triggered severe flooding in parts of the North East Gonja District within the Savannah Region, resulting in the collapse of over 93 houses and forcing more than 246 residents to seek refuge elsewhere. The inundation has also decimated food supplies, farm produce, and livestock, while causing damage to a vital feeder road, thereby isolating communities such as Lantung Park, Kedingi, and Kanankula.

The National Disaster Management Organisation (NADMO) declared that torrential rains commenced on Wednesday, leading to the catastrophic flooding.

Mahama Zakaria, the Savannah Regional Director at NADMO, led an assessment of the affected areas and reported that damage assessments had been documented, with relief items anticipated to reach the residents within 48 hours. The organization's primary focus is to evaluate the damage extent and provide assistance to displaced residents.

However, residents like Luckman Musah have lost not only their homes but also valuable agricultural products and livestock, pleading for urgent government and stakeholder support. Musah stated, "I have lost bags of soybeans, maize, and rice, as well as my livestock, to the floods." He expressed gratitude to the government and other organizations for their aid, emphasizing the loss of homes, food, and livelihoods.

The flooding has disrupted transportation, as a segment of the feeder road connecting the impacted communities to the local market succumbed to the floodwaters. This critical route is crucial for the movement of people, goods, and agricultural products. Residents have expressed concern over the prolonged inaccessibility of the road, highlighting potential economic repercussions.

Eric, a local business operator, noted that traders were already facing challenges due to the damaged road, as customers and traders are unable to move freely between communities and the market. The disruption could also impede access to essential goods, and district officials have raised concerns over healthcare accessibility for residents in the affected communities.

Abdul Mumin Ewuntomah, the District Chief Executive for North East Gonja, confirmed the collapse of 93 structures across the district. He emphasized that residents from Bimbila, who rely on the feeder road for market access and economic activities, have been cut off. Ewuntomah stressed the road's significance, stating, "This road is very important because it links several communities to the market.

People from around Bimbila also use it to engage in trading and other economic activities." He appealed to the National Security, the Minister of Roads and Highways, and the Department of Feeder Roads to treat the damage as an emergency, urging prompt action to restore the road's functionality.