Residents in parts of Keta are counting heavy losses after severe flooding triggered by hours of rainfall submerged homes, businesses, roads and public institutions, forcing many families to flee for safety.
The flooding, which struck in the early hours of Wednesday, May 6, has been described by residents as one of the worst incidents in recent years, with overflowing drains and runoff water sweeping through communities and disrupting daily life.
According to Mr Philip Abotsi of the National Disaster Management Organisation in Keta, vulnerable residents including women, children and the elderly were forced to evacuate as floodwaters rapidly rose across residential and commercial areas.
He said household items such as furniture, food supplies, clothing, electronics and other valuables were destroyed after being submerged.
The floods also damaged roads and access routes, making it difficult for emergency teams to reach some of the hardest-hit communities.
Affected areas include Dzelukope, Nukpesekope, Tetekope and Vui, where residents are now calling for urgent government intervention.
Officials from the Keta Municipal Assembly and National Disaster Management Organisation are currently assessing the extent of the damage and preparing support for affected residents.
Residents have blamed the recurring flooding on poor drainage systems, blocked gutters and weak urban planning.
Richard Aba, a resident of Dzelukope, said communities continue to suffer yearly losses because long-term solutions have not been implemented.
“Every year we lose property and after some time the issue is forgotten,” he lamented.
The flooding also affected several government offices, including the Ambulance Service, Fire Service, Environmental Service, National Identification Authority, National Commission for Civic Education, and other institutions.
Mr Emmanuel Tordzro of the Keta Ambulance Service warned that the municipality’s vulnerability to both inland flooding and coastal erosion requires urgent investment in drainage infrastructure, coastal protection and better land use planning.
He called on authorities to provide immediate relief while pursuing long-term solutions to end the recurring floods.
