The Greater Accra Regional Director of the National Disaster Management Organisation (NADMO), Mr. Denis Adjannor Nartey, has stated that the institution is prioritizing disaster prevention over crisis response, following recent advisories from the Ghana Meteorological Agency (GMet).
Speaking in an interview on Nyankonton Mu Nsem on Rainbow Radio 87.5FM, Mr. Nartey urged Ghanaians to avoid flood-prone areas, stay indoors during violent storms, refrain from building on waterways, and seek immediate assistance during emergencies.
He admonished the public to remain inside during heavy downpours and avoid taking shelter under metallic structures, billboards, or trees, noting that the rains are often accompanied by strong windstorms and lightning.
Furthermore, he cautioned residents, motorists, and pedestrians against walking or driving through moving floodwaters, advising them instead to wait out peak storms on higher ground to prevent being swept away.
Reflecting on the organization’s proactive measures, he said, “We have taken steps to ensure that we don’t witness disasters. This is not new. GMet gave us the signals that the rains would come early this year. We took the opportunity to engage with the public, and in the areas that are flood-prone, we organized dredging exercises. For floods, we cannot eliminate them completely, but we have taken steps to mitigate the effects.”
Additionally, the Regional Director disclosed that authorities have established designated safe havens, allowing persons in high-risk areas to be evacuated and accommodated until the rains subside.
However, Mr. Nartey lamented that human activities continue to exacerbate the situation, pointing out that some residents actively dump refuse into community drains.
He called on the public to keep gutters and drainage systems clear of waste to prevent the blockages that cause localized flooding.
He warned that the rainy season increases the risk of waterborne and vector-borne diseases, such as cholera, malaria, and typhoid, and strongly advised the public to practice strict personal and environmental hygiene.
By: Rainbowradioonline.com/Ghana.