A powerful rainstorm accompanied by strong winds has left 55 people homeless after destroying homes, market stalls, and roadside structures in parts of the Assin South District of the Central Region.
The storm struck the Akrofuom and Anyinabrim communities along the Cape Coast–Assin Fosu highway on Sunday afternoon, causing widespread damage and disrupting movement on the busy road corridor.
Residents said several buildings suffered partial or severe destruction, while fallen trees and debris blocked the highway between Anyinabrim and Nsuta for nearly two hours, leading to heavy traffic delays and hampering emergency access.
The storm also triggered power outages and flooding in several homes and compounds, forcing affected families to seek temporary shelter.
One woman in her late forties sustained minor injuries during the incident and was treated and discharged at a nearby clinic.
Personnel from the National Disaster Management Organisation (NADMO), supported by community volunteers, later moved in to clear debris and assist affected residents.
Confirming the incident, Mr Edusei Sarpong, Assin South NADMO Director, said officials were conducting assessments to compile verified data for the distribution of relief items and to guide reconstruction efforts.
He explained that the agency was also focusing on psychological and psychosocial support for victims while coordinating temporary accommodation for displaced families.
According to him, NADMO would intensify community education on disaster preparedness and safe building practices as part of efforts to reduce the impact of future storms.
The sensitisation campaign, he noted, would emphasise stronger roof reinforcement and the dangers of taking shelter under weak structures or large trees during heavy rainfall and windstorms.
Mr Sarpong also called on landlords, homeowners, and traditional authorities to support the demolition of old and dilapidated structures that pose risks during severe weather conditions.
He stressed that removing unsafe buildings would help reduce casualties, minimise flooding caused by blocked drains, improve access for emergency responders, and lower post-disaster recovery costs.
The latest incident adds to growing concerns over the vulnerability of many communities to extreme weather events as the rainy season intensifies across parts of the country.
