Floods displace residents at Aterkyem in Brong Ahafo

Goaso (B/A), Oct. 26, GNA - Hours of heavy rain at Aterkyem and its environs, in the Asunafo South District of Brong-Ahafo, has led to some rivers overflowing its banks and rendering about 150 residents homeless. The rains, which started last Friday night, continued till Saturday, displacing the people, who are said to be temporarily putting up with relatives and friends.

A number of culverts and bridges constructed less than two years ago have been washed away by the rain floods. Communities affected by the torrential rains were Aterkyem old town, Motopeneso, Oppongkrom and Nkaawie, whilst other communities such as Siana, Kwaku Ndwuma and Dantanor, have all been cut off from the rest of the district.

Briefing the Ghana News Agency about the incident, Mr. George Yaw Boakye, Member of Parliament for the area, called for the immediate provision of relief items, such as blankets, mosquito nets and mattresses, to the affected communities.

He explained that, the only way for the people to escape from the wrath of the floods, was to temporarily relocate to safe areas. Mr Boakye assured the affected people that he would liaise with the National Disaster Management Organisation for the provision of some relief items for their rehabilitation.

A number of residents at Aterkyem old town, who spoke to the GNA, expressed concern about the small-sized culverts constructed along the main road in the town.

They noted that, the culverts could not contain the drains, especially during the rainy season and appealed to the district assembly to come to their aid.