2015 Accra floods

The 2015 Accra floods resulted from heavy continuous rainfall in Accra, the largest city in Ghana.[1] The rain started on 1 June 2015. The floods have resulted in heavy traffic on the roads in the city and also a halt in commercial activities as markets were flooded and workers trapped.[2][3] Mayor of Accra Metropolitan Assembly, Alfred Oko Vanderpuije described the flooding as critical.[4] At least 25 people have died from the flooding directly, while a petrol station explosion caused by the flooding killed at least 200 more people.[5][6]

Affected areas

Kaneshie

The Kaneshie market and its surroundings were submerged, preventing vehicles from moving.[7]

Graphic Road

Graphic Road, home to some automobile companies, was heavily flooded. The Toyota Ghana and Rana Motors showrooms were completely submerged.[8][9]

GOIL fire

Main article: 2015 Accra explosion

On June 3, 2015, a GOIL fuel station near Kwame Nkrumah Interchange was burnt with people and vehicles in the vicinity.[10] The fire also burnt a Forex Bureau and Pharmacy nearby.[11] Over 200[5] people are feared dead and bodies have been moved to the 37 Military Hospital. The hospital later announced they are unable to hold more bodies.[12][13] The cause of the fire is yet to be determined. On 4 June 2015 the Mayor of Accra Alfred Vanderpuije, Member of Parliament for Korle Klottey, Nii Armah Ashitey and President John Mahama visited the scene.[14]

Response

GhanaPresident Mahama has declared 3 days' national mourning for the victims affected by the flood and explosion. The government has also released GH₵ 60 million to support victims.[15][16]

References

  1. Gomda, A.R. (3 June 2015). "Rains Wash Accra". Daily Guide. Retrieved 4 June 2015.
  2. "Accra flooded following continuous Rainfall". gbcghana.com. 2 June 2015. Retrieved 4 June 2015.
  3. "Floods submerge Accra for the umpteenth time". citifmonline.com. 3 June 2015. Retrieved 4 June 2015.
  4. Baiocchi, Francisco (3 June 2015). "Chaos reigns as Accra is submerged by heavy rains". www.graphic.com.gh. Retrieved 4 June 2015.
  5. 1 2 "Over 200 killed in Ghana gas station explosion". Zee News. Retrieved 9 June 2015.
  6. "Ghana petrol station inferno kills about 150 in Accra". BBC. 5 June 2015. Retrieved 5 June 2015.
  7. "Kaneshie floods as cars submerge". ghanaweb.com. 3 June 2015. Retrieved 4 June 2015.
  8. Kai Lokko, Vivian (4 June 2015). "Accra floods hit Ghana’s automobile industry". citifmonline.com. Retrieved 4 June 2015.
  9. Afanyi Dadzie, Ebenezer (4 June 2015). "Photo: The impact of Accra's floods on businesses is depicted here". TV3 Ghana. Retrieved 4 June 2015.
  10. Baiocchi, Francisco (4 June 2015). "UPDATE: Disaster! Many dead in fuel station fire". www.graphic.com.gh. Retrieved 4 June 2015.
  11. "Accra Floods: Over 80 People Dead In Goil Filling Station Fire". peacefmonline.com. 4 June 2015. Retrieved 4 June 2015.
  12. "Accra floods: More than 100 feared dead after explosion". Daily Guide. 4 June 2015. Retrieved 4 June 2015.
  13. O'Connor, Roisin (4 June 2015). "Accra floods: More than 70 people reported dead after petrol station fire in Ghana's capital city". The Independent. Retrieved 4 June 2015.
  14. Abass Daabu, Malik (4 June 2015). "Floods: We must make sure this doesn’t happen again - Mahama". myjoyonline.com. Retrieved 4 June 2015.
  15. Gadugah, Nathan (4 June 2015). "Floods: Mahama declares 3 days of mourning". Myjoyonline.com. Retrieved 4 June 2015.
  16. "President Mahama Announces 3-days of National Mourning & 60 Million GH. Cedis to Support Flood Victims". gbcghana.com. 4 June 2015. Retrieved 4 June 2015.
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