Flood of Tetegu. Photograph by: Every day Graphic/Douglas Annie Frimpong
Residents of Tetegu, Sampa Valley, Alternative and different downstream areas across the Ouija enclave have been affected by flooding following the opening of the Ouija Dam flood gates by the Ghana Water Authority (GWL).
A number of houses, roads and low-lying areas within the affected communities had been submerged below water after extra water was launched from the dam as a part of measures to guard amenities from structural harm.
As water ranges continued to rise in components of the affected areas, some residents had been seen accumulating home goods, whereas others moved their belongings to safer places.
The event follows an official announcement by the administration of Ghana Water Restricted that the water degree within the dam has risen above the utmost operational degree of 48 toes and that there’s a want to manage the outflow of extra water.
All spill gates on the dam have been opened to alleviate strain on the power and guarantee structural integrity and security, GWL stated in a press release.
“Water ranges on the dam have now risen above the utmost working water degree of 48 toes. Subsequently, to guard the structural integrity and security of the dam, all spill gates on the dam have been opened to permit the managed launch of extra water,” the assertion stated.
The corporate stated Weija Dam runoff management is a routine train performed each time the water degree exceeds 45 toes through the wet season.
In line with GWL, this measure is critical to forestall undue strain on the dam and keep away from potential catastrophe.
The assertion additional revealed that the Ghana Meteorological Company had predicted a state of affairs wherein additional heavy rains are anticipated to happen upstream, growing the quantity of influx into the dam.
Consequently, spill drills are anticipated to proceed till water ranges scale back to protected operational ranges.
“Relying on rainfall patterns and inflows, this course of may final a number of months,” the assertion added.
GWL subsequently referred to as on residents residing downstream of the dam to evacuate weak areas instantly to guard lives and property.
The corporate additionally revealed that the Nationwide Catastrophe Administration Group (NADMO) and the respective district councils have begun preparations to take away constructions and obstacles that impede the free stream of water to the ocean.
It appealed to related authorities to expedite measures to reduce the danger of flooding within the affected areas.
In the meantime, residents in flood-prone areas have expressed concern that the state of affairs may worsen if rain continues within the coming days, and appealed for pressing help.
Some victims referred to as for non permanent shelter, reduction provides, and drainage enchancment work to alleviate the challenges of persistent flooding related to the dam’s annual spills.
GWL assured the general public of its dedication to defending dam infrastructure whereas prioritizing public security and referred to as on residents to completely cooperate with emergency directives issued by state authorities.
