The Ghana National Fire Service (GNFS) is urging the public to prepare and take the necessary steps to prevent flooding during the rainy season.
This message was shared during an interview on Spice FM, where fire officials explained what causes floods and what the Fire Service does to help.
Public Relations Officer of GNFS in the Western region, ADO II Linda Pongo explained that flooding is not only caused by heavy rain but also by dam spillage and rising sea levels due to climate change. She said human actions like throwing rubbish in drains, poor building plans, and building on waterways also make flooding worse.
“Floods don’t only happen because of rain. “Dams can spill over, and the sea can rise too. People must come to the fire service or the assembly for permission before building to make sure we don’t have poor planning that leads to floods,” she said.
She added that the Ghana National Fire Service doesn’t only handle fire cases. They are also in charge of helping during floods and other rescue work.
So far, no major floods have been reported in the Western Region this rainy season. But Madam Pongo used the chance to advise the public to be careful and prepare well to avoid any problems.
For his part, Assistant Divisional Officer Michael Assifuah Ansah said floods are caused by both natural and human factors. He mentioned things like heavy or long rains, river and dam overflows, climate change, and also blocked drains and bad building practices.
“We are asking people to listen to the education we’ve been giving,” he said. “We should all make smart choices about where and how we build. People should also think about getting flood insurance to protect their homes and property.”
He also called on assembly members to organize clean-up exercises to clear choked gutters, especially during this season.
Madam Linda added that builders should stop putting sand and stones into gutters, as this blocks the flow of water. She also encouraged people to report anyone building on water paths to the right authorities.
The Fire Service promised to keep helping the public through education and quick response to reduce the harm caused by floods in Ghana.
Tony Krapa
