Director of Communications for the National Disaster Management Organization (NADMO), Mr. George Ayisi, has advised Ghanaians to practice utmost safety during the rainy season.
In an interview in Accra on Thursday, Mr. Ayisi urged citizens to pay rapt attention to weather forecasts from the Ghana Meteorological Agency to be updated on periodic changes in weather conditions.
He said in the event of heavy downpours, citizens and especially those in flood-prone areas could move to identified NADMO safe havens such as schools, churches, community centres, independence square, sports stadia, amongst others to protect their lives.
Some flood-prone areas in Accra include; Ofankor, Anyaa, Weija, Adentan,Madina, Zongo Junction, Ablekuma, Alajo, Osu, Jamestown, Sukura, Nungua, Ashaiman, Chemu Lagoon, Baatsona, Mallam, Kaneshie, Abossey Okai, Pokuase, Industrial Area, Dansoman, Afiaman and New Bortianor.
Mr. Ayisi said it was best to put off electrical gadgets during rains to prevent possible electrocution incidents.
The Communications Director appealed to the Local Government and District Assemblies to ensure the prompt removal of refuse at disposal points to avoid the waste getting into water ways to cause flooding.
“It is important that citizens distill their gutters to prevent choking. They should also avoid building on waterways because this act leads to diversion of water passages, hence, flooding,” he said.
He advised parents to keep an eye on their children and not leave them to wander about, especially in an area like Kwame Nkrumah Circle which usually take a lot of flash floods when it rained.
The NADMO Communications Director said Government had stocked them with new vehicles, ambulances, gadgets and relief items to improve efficiency in their work.
As such, in case of any disaster, NADMO’s was well equipped to come to the aid of victims.
He said disaster victims could reach NADMO by dialing 112 or 0299350030 for assistance.
Mr. Ayisi cautioned drivers to obey all road safety rules and desist from speeding.
He said drivers should ensure clear vision especially when driving in a foggy weather and on roads with many curves.
