The Vice President, Alhaji Mahamud Bawumia, has visited persons affected by the resultant flood from the recent downpour in the North East region, to commiserate with them, as well as assess the extent of damage and the seek measures to ensure a return to normalcy within the shortest possible time frame.
Residents within four communities in the West Mamprusi district were displaced by the recent down pour which occurred between Wednesday and Thursday morning. Over 7,000 residents of Gagbini, Gbani, Banawa and Namiyala were rendered homeless by the flood.
Whilst no casualty has been recorded so far, large swathes of farmlands have been affected, leaving some communities inaccessible as food and livestock are reported to have been swept away in some instances.
The Vice President, who was on a four-day tour of the north visited the affected areas in the company of officials from the National Disaster Management Organisation(NADMO) as well as other government officials to see firsthand, the extent of the devastation and offer support, material and otherwise.
Dr. Bawumia expressed worry about the extent of damage to property and reiterated government’s commitment to supporting the affected persons regain their livelihoods and have a semblance of normalcy.
He underscored the need to find a lasting solution to the perennial floods in the north which have significant economic and human costs as due to the consistent loss of lives and property and the effects food production.
“Upon hearing the tragic news, I have to temporarily suspend my campaign and come today to see for myself what has happened with the heavy rainfall which has collapsed many buildings. Unfortunately, many of these buildings are built with sand so there are many people who have been severely affected and they are temporarily being housed in a number of makeshift sites including schools and this is one,” he said.
The affected victims have so far been evacuated to the District Assembly building while others taken to secure places.
He indicated that beyond the food items being provided, the sum of GH¢100,000 has been made available to cater for clear and present needs.
Officials of NADMO were commended by Dr. Bawumia for acting swiftly in evacuating the victims and to bringing emergency relief items such food, mattresses and sanitary items.
Responding to concerns by some affected persons who expressed worry about the situation, he assured that government would support them to build their houses again and expressed desire that subsequent rainfall to allow time for the construction of houses that withstand future flooding.
