VARIOUS PARTS of Accra were flooded following a downpour on Saturday night which lasted several hours.
The rains which started late in the afternoon, continued till after midnight, causing flood waters to cover major roads in the capital.
Residents in areas like Alajo, Circle, Adabraka and Kaneshie, had their houses submerged in the floods.
The Ghana Police Service quickly issued a safety warning to the public to avoid areas such as the Graphic Road towards Kaneshie and Agbogbloshie due to the risen level of the Odaw River.
“We are experiencing flooding on some principal streets and highways within the Accra-Tema Metropolitan areas and beyond due to the downpour this evening. In view of this, we are advising members of the public to remain indoors,” the statement read.
“Motorists and commuters are also being cautioned against using the Graphic Road towards Kaneshie and Agbogbloshie due to the rising level of the Odaw River.
“In addition to the above, motorists and commuters should exercise great caution when using the La Beach-Kpheshie Lagoon Road towards Teshie-Nungua as well as roads that are linked by culverts and bridges,” it added.
It further indicated that patrol teams have been dispatched to communities to ensure the safety of everyone.
“However, anyone who is stranded due to the downpour and requires help should contact the Police on the emergency numbers 18555, 191 or 0302787373. The Police and other principal safety stakeholders are on high alert to assist,” police said in the statement.
Meanwhile, the hashtag #AccraFloods is trending on Twitter, with people publishing media content to show the state of the floods in their communities.
The bridge between Kotobabi Down and Alajo as one descends from the Kotobabi Police Station has been damaged as a result of the deluge.
The damaged bridge requires prompt attention lest it develops into a dangerous occurrence as more rains are expected.
The extent of dumping refuse into waterways by residents became clearer when the gutters let out their contents in the form of waste plastic containers, discarded lorry tyres and other domestic stuff.
BY Jamila Akweley Okertchiri