Ghana floods: At least 13 dead after heavy rains in Accra

13 people died as a result of the heavy rains that fell in Accra, the capital of Ghana, according to the fire brigade involved in the rescue operation.

The Meteorological Agency has warned that more rain is expected due to a large storm coming from the east, and the government has urged people to stay indoors or move to higher ground.

Much of the water has begun to recede after Sunday night’s rain, but the Ghana National Fire Service says the death toll could rise as recovery efforts continue.

Low areas are especially affected. Videos circulating on social media showed homes and vehicles submerged in water, while many buildings were destroyed.

Emergency response teams from the police, fire brigade, military and the National Disaster Management Agency have been deployed to the flood-affected region.

Ministry of Home Affairs announced that they are engaged to monitor the situation and protect life and property.

According to GNFS, more than 470 people have been rescued so far.

The floods also caused a massive fire at a tire factory in the city.

Some residents are also trapped inside their homes. The government has asked people to move to safer places and avoid traveling in flooded areas.

“If you are in a safe place, stay indoors,” the president’s office said in a statement.

“Do not attempt to cross flooded roads, whether on foot or in a vehicle. If your home is flooding, get to higher ground immediately and call 112 for emergency assistance.”

According to Mahama, preliminary data indicates that about 140mm of rain fell in Accra.

“By comparison, the highest single-day rainfall recorded last year was about 56mm,” he wrote in X, adding that the increase points to climate change.

The Ghana Meteorological Agency has also warned that more rain is expected in southern Ghana – where Accra is located – from Tuesday morning to late afternoon, increasing the risk of further flooding.

“Avoid sheltering under trees, stay away from power lines, and do not walk or drive through floodwaters,” the agency advised.

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), Accra is one of the fastest growing cities in Africa with a population of over four million.

“My collection of vinyl records from the 1970s is now under water,” resident Philip Mensah told AFP news agency after his home was flooded.

A school teacher, Patience Naa Adjeli Adjei, said she spent hours trying to keep water out of her classroom.

“I cleaned my room more than eight times,” she told AFP. “I can’t even go out because my room is flooded and outside is flooded.”