Kaneshie floods as cars submerge

An eight-hour heavy downpour yesterday rendered parts of Kaneshie and its environs flooded while residents, pedestrians and motorists waited patiently for the rains to subside.

Many homes, petrol service stations, storage facilities and the main Kaneshie Market road, Obetsebi-Lamptey Circle and the Odaw drainage were dangerous areas to tread as flood waters rose to waist level.

When the news team of Today got to the Kaneshie Market, pedestrians and motorists were seen struggling to navigate the little dry spots and least affected landscapes to reach their various destinations.

Around the Kaneshie Market area, market women, shoppers and commuters had to run for cover whilst many from church services struggled to join the nearest “trotro” buses to whisk them away to safety.

Some women and shoppers were also seen swimming in dirty stagnant waters.

Four female sellers at Kaneshie Market were nearly drowned by the flood which left a trail of destruction and anguish in many parts of Accra, as the city flooded.

Some good Samaritans, who happened to be nearby when the young girls were being drowned by the flood, went to their rescue.

From the Industrial Area to Teshie, residents and commuters had a tale of woes to narrate, as those in low-lying areas in particular sat on tenterhooks and prayed for the deluge to cease, as nearby gutters were filled to their brims.

A trapped man who spoke to Today said: “the whole place is flooded and we cannot go out. Vehicles are not moving.”

At the Kantamanto Market, activities came to a standstill as traders struggled to salvage their wares before they were carried away by the torrential rains.

A trader at the sprawling business segment of Kantamanto Market said: “activities have come to a halt.”

Most of our goods have been destroyed. As we talk to you (referring to this reporter) right now, we are standing on tables because the place is flooded. The flood has put all of us in an awkward situation with almost everybody packing their wares," they noted.

From Teshie Estates a caller told Today that “it is still raining heavily here. The drainage system here is very poor. The attitudes of the people here have also contributed to this flood here. Properties are destroyed while some have sustained injuries.”

At Kotobabi, vehicular and pedestrian movement came to a standstill as the streets were covered by sheets of water.

From Circle-Accra, came this narration from a witness: “Most of us here are standing on our cars. We know we are not safe. The place is flooded and the drains are choked.”

At Abeka-Lapaz the cause of the flood was too obvious to be ignored, as residents made allusion to choked gutters and the many tributaries of the gushing water.

Kasoa Iron City, Accra Newtown, Jamestown and Winneba Junction, all had their share of the destructive deluge.