Death toll rises to three in Alajo flood tragedy

The death toll from the devastating floods that hit Alajo in Accra following Monday's torrential rains has risen to three, with all the victims reportedly dying from electrocution after floodwaters inundated their homes.

Alajo is among the communities worst affected by the prolonged downpour that began on Sunday night and continued into Monday morning, leaving major roads, homes, and businesses submerged while bringing parts of the capital to a standstill.

According to reports from the scene, the first two victims were inside their rooms when rapidly rising floodwaters came into contact with electrical installations, resulting in fatal electrocution.

Officials from the National Disaster Management Organisation (NADMO), with assistance from residents, recovered the bodies from the flooded community. The deceased have since been conveyed to the Maamobi Polyclinic.

A short while later, another death was confirmed, bringing the total number of flood-related fatalities in Alajo to three.

Some reports have suggested that a fourth person may also have died in the floods. However, this has not yet been independently confirmed by the relevant authorities.

As part of emergency safety measures, the Ghana Grid Company Limited (GRIDCo) and the Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG) temporarily shut down electricity supply from the Mallam and Achimota primary substations after floodwaters threatened critical power infrastructure.

The precautionary shutdown was intended to protect lives, safeguard electrical equipment, and ensure the safety of operational personnel while engineers assessed the extent of the flooding.

Meanwhile, the Ghana Meteorological Agency has warned that rain-bearing clouds are expected to persist and spread westward into the evening, with thunderstorms also forecast for parts of Northern Ghana later in the day.

In response to the emergency, the Greater Accra Regional Minister, Linda Obenewaa Akweley Ocloo, has directed all Metropolitan, Municipal and District Chief Executives (MMDCEs) to move into their respective communities with emergency response teams to intensify rescue operations and provide immediate relief to affected residents.

The Ministry of the Interior has also issued a public safety advisory urging residents to remain where they are whenever possible, avoid flooded roads, and promptly report emergencies to the appropriate authorities. NADMO has activated emergency response teams across affected communities to support ongoing rescue and relief efforts.

Authorities have advised the public not to wade or drive through floodwaters, to stay away from submerged electrical installations, and to immediately report fallen or exposed power lines to ECG or GRIDCo to prevent further casualties.

Residents requiring emergency assistance can contact NADMO on 0302 772395 or 0299 344030, or via WhatsApp on 055 160 9393.