"We are not responsible for flood victims" - NADMO

The National Disaster Management Organisation (NADMO) on Monday stated that the organisation was not directly responsible for flood victims but serves as a back up whenever the need arises.

Brigadier Joseph Odei, NADMO National Co-odinator explained that the metropolitan authorities and the regional co-ordinating council's were solely responsible for such victims.

He was speaking to GNA on the organisation's preparedness towards the raining season and the occasional flooding in some parts of Accra after last night's rainfall, which lasted over six hours.

Brigadier Odei explained that, "NADMO only comes in to assist disaster victims when the situation is beyond the control and management of the responsible institutions, " stressing that the organisation serves as reserve and back-up force to the local authorities.

He said the organisation was monitoring the floods in the metropolis to assess the level of damage to life and property to offer the necessary human and logistical support. On NADMO's preparedness, Brigadier Odei said disaster prone areas had been identified as well as rescue lodging areas to serve as a safe haven for victims and also to reduce the level of fatality during disaster.

Brigadier Odei said the organisation has also started a sensitisation and educational campaign on flood preventive measures as well as the formation of voluntary disaster clubs in the highly sensitive areas.

NADMO, in collaboration with the military was also training special Rescue teams to assist its operations. He said these are all parts of the restructuring exercise of NADMO to give it a new image and additional responsibilities, whiles equipping it to handle disasters promptly, effectively and efficiently.

He, however, expressed concern about hindrances to the effective management and control of disasters such as unauthorised structures adding that the organisation is seeking a legislative instrument to empower it to demolish structures, buildings and other landmarks, which obstruct normal flow of water.

Meanwhile, a tour of some communities in Accra, which include, Alajo, Dzorwulu, Sukura,Agege, Dansoman, Mataheko, Adabraka, Circle, and East Legonshows trails of flooding.Most residents were busily washing, cleaning and drying their household items, including mattresses, carpets, blankets, furniture, and clothes.

Some affected residents appealed to NADMO and other non-governmental agencies to assist them with logistics, while some expressed concern about where they would lodge, as their rooms were still full of water.

GNA observed debris and sand on some roads in the metropolis, especially at intersections and junctions of major and small roads. Other major roads had also developed manholes whiles shoulders of some roads had been washed away.