The National Disaster Management Organisation (NADMO) in the Weija-Gbawe Municipality has issued an immediate evacuation directive for residents living downstream of the Weija Dam.
The alert follows a critical decision by dam management to release excess water to safeguard the structural integrity of the facility after heavy inflows from the Nsawam area pushed reservoir levels to their limit.
Authorities have confirmed that three spillway gates have been opened by 30 inches each, resulting in a high-intensity discharge.
Due to this volume of water, communities directly in the path of the spillway face a high probability of inundation. Residents in Tetegu, Weija, SCC, Old Barrier, Oblogo, Mallam Junction, Aplaku, and Bortianor, along with parts of Sampah, are being urged to leave low-lying areas immediately.
NADMO officials are stressing that residents must not wait to see floodwaters before acting.
Evacuation should be prioritised over the preservation of property.
Beyond ensuring their own safety, residents are encouraged to act as a support network by alerting neighbours, particularly the elderly, children, and those who may not have access to mobile communication.
When leaving, individuals are advised to carry only essentials, including identification, vital medication, mobile phones, chargers, and key documents, preferably secured in waterproof bags.
The public is sternly warned against attempting to cross floodwaters. Even a depth of six inches of flowing water can knock a person off their feet, while two feet of water is sufficient to sweep away a vehicle.
For those requiring emergency assistance or evacuation support, NADMO can be contacted via the national emergency line 112, or directly through local office lines at 0302964884, 0244480355, and 0244429315.
The office of the Weija-Gbawe Director is also available at 0244429315.
By: Rainbowradioonline.com/Ghana