Lead

Severe flooding in Ghana's capital, Accra, has killed at least 13 people, according to the Ghana National Fire Service, which has been involved in rescue efforts. Torrential rain beginning Sunday night submerged homes, roads and vehicles across the city, prompting hundreds of rescue operations. The government has urged residents to stay indoors or move to higher ground, with the meteorological agency warning that more rain was expected as a big storm approached from the east.

Coverage Comparison

Reports on the disaster have varied in their death tolls and focus, reflecting the evolving situation and different editorial angles. The BBC reported at least 13 deaths, citing the fire service, and noted that the death toll could rise. Africa News initially reported at least 12 deaths, with emergency officials warning the number could increase as several people remained missing. A second Africa News report, published later, put the death toll at three, likely reflecting an earlier stage of the disaster. Al Jazeera, in a regional roundup, reported at least 12 deaths in Accra and said the number could increase because several people were still missing.

Rescue efforts have been extensive. The Greater Accra Regional Fire Commander, Rashid Kwame Nisawu, told the AFP news agency that crews had rescued more than 400 people. The Ghana National Fire Service told the BBC it had rescued more than 470 people so far. Rescue teams, including police, firefighters, the military and the National Disaster Management Organisation, have been deployed to affected areas.

The flooding also triggered a major fire at a rubber factory in Accra, which was reported by Al Jazeera. Firefighters were slowed by the floodwaters. The fire and the flooding left some residents stranded and without power.

The disaster has also had a regional dimension, with Al Jazeera reporting that dozens of people died after floods and landslides hit capital cities in Ghana and the Ivory Coast. In the Ivory Coast, rainfall began on Saturday, and while authorities did not provide a death toll, a source close to firefighters and the interior minister told the Reuters news agency the toll was about 20.

Key Claims

  • At least 13 people have died in Accra, according to the Ghana National Fire Service, as reported by the BBC. Africa News and Al Jazeera reported at least 12 deaths, while an earlier Africa News report said three people had been killed.
  • Rescue crews have saved more than 400 people, according to the Greater Accra Regional Fire Commander, as reported by Africa News and Al Jazeera. The Ghana National Fire Service told the BBC it had rescued more than 470 people.
  • Authorities say one man drowned in the Alajo district, while two others were electrocuted after floodwaters came into contact with electrical wiring inside their home, as reported by Africa News.
  • The government has urged people to stay indoors or move to higher ground, and the meteorological agency warned further rain was expected, as reported by the BBC. Another Africa News report said the government urged residents to avoid unnecessary travel.
  • The Ghana National Fire Service said the death toll could rise, as reported by the BBC.
  • President John Mahama has released emergency funds and deployed the military and police to support relief efforts, as reported by Africa News.

Perspectives

The government has apologized for its response to the flooding, as reported by Africa News. President Mahama has released emergency funds and deployed the military and police to support relief efforts. On social media, he wrote that preliminary data indicated around 140mm of rain had descended on Accra, compared with the highest single-day rainfall recorded last year of about 56mm, attributing the increase to climate change, as reported by the BBC.

The New Patriotic Party (NPP) has criticized the government's handling of the flooding, as reported by AllAfrica. In a press release, the party expressed sympathy for those affected but said the government had failed to respond effectively to the recurring disaster. The NPP argued that the current administration had created confusion by splitting responsibility for flood management between the Ministry of Local Government and the Ministry of Works, Housing and Water Resources, leading to poor coordination. The party also questioned the appointment of Deputy Chief of Staff Stan Dogbe to coordinate flood response, saying he lacks the authority to direct ministers, and alleged that some anti-flood measures had not been implemented or were poorly executed.