Friday, 03 July

Mahama attributes severe Accra flooding to heavy rainfall and encroachment on waterways

News
President JD Mahama sees flooded parts of Accra from a GAF helicopter

President John Dramani Mahama says the volume of rainfall recorded in Accra on Monday was among the highest experienced in several years, describing the downpour as an indication of the growing impact of changing climatic conditions.

In a Facebook post accompanied by aerial footage of flood-affected areas captured from a Ghana Armed Forces helicopter, the president said preliminary data showed that about 140 millimetres of rain fell over Accra.

He noted that the figure was significantly higher than the highest single-day rainfall recorded last year, which was approximately 56 millimetres.

"The amount of rainfall recorded today is among the highest experienced in several years. Preliminary data indicates that approximately 140 millimetres of rain fell on Accra. By comparison, the highest single-day rainfall recorded last year was about 56 millimetres," he wrote.

President Mahama said while the intensity of the rainfall was beyond the government's control because it was driven by changing climatic conditions, human behaviour also contributed to the flooding.

He said attempts by the government to remove structures built on waterways are often criticised, despite the risks such developments pose during periods of heavy rainfall.

"Whenever government begins removing structures built in waterways, some people accuse us of being inhumane. Yet when disasters such as today's flooding occur, the consequences affect everyone. The irresponsible actions of a few individuals end up putting entire communities at risk," the president stated.

Source: classfmonline.com