Torrential rains displace more than 500 residents of Chiraa

Torrential rains have flooded Chiraa in the Sunyani West District of Brong-Ahafo and displaced more than 500 residents.

More than 30 compound houses were affected with damage to personal belongings running into thousands of Ghana cedis.

The rains started on May 29 and continued till June 1.

Mr. Sakyi Boateng Agyapong, Assemblyman for Zongo Newtown Electoral Area told the Ghana News Agency (GNA) in an interview on Friday that, some of the affected people were being housed in school buildings while others were perching with relatives and friends.

No casualty was recorded.

He expressed concern about the poor drainage system in the community saying that the people had made persistent appeals to the District Assembly for support but to no avail.

The assemblyman appealed to the National Disaster Management Organisation to urgently go to the aid of the victims.

Mr. Sakyi said the residents had reported the incident to the regional NADMO office and also petitioned Mr. Kwadwo Nyamekye-Marfo, the Regional Minister to assist them.

Maame Akosua Nyarko, a victim, told the GNA that the flood had washed away all her belongings and left debris on her compound.

Another victim, Mr. Peter Kyeremeh, a poultry farmer, said he had lost 50 fowls, while their stored feed had been washed away.

He appealed to Non-Governmental Organisations and philanthropists to immediately assist the victims with some relief items.

Agya Yaw Baoteng, Unit Committee Chairman, recounted that similar incidents occurred in 2009 with more than 150 households affected.

He said if something was not done immediately to improve the poor drainage system, more people would be affected in this rainy season.**