The Ghana Navy has reported that it has successfully rescued more than 8,000 individuals affected by the spillage from the Akosombo and Kpong dams as of Sunday, October 15 this year. A joint rescue team has been deployed to the affected districts to oversee critical infrastructure and respond to distress calls, aiming to minimize the damage caused by the spillage.
Commodore Emmanuel Ayesu Kwafo, the Flag Officer Commanding the Western Naval Command, explained that the Navy has dispatched over 10 boats downstream, staffed with experienced divers and lifesavers to aid in the rescue operations. Further plans include deploying additional personnel and resources if necessary, to enhance ongoing efforts.
The Navy has been active in other flood-stricken areas throughout the country, including Kpando Torkor, Dzemeni, Buipe, and Anloga, in addition to its regular duty posts. The Commodore emphasized the importance of monitoring critical infrastructure and responding promptly to distress calls, ensuring the safety of lives and properties during these challenging times.
The Akosombo and Kpong dams spillage, initiated on September 15, 2023, by the Volta River Authority (VRA), was deemed a disaster mitigation plan. It started with a low rate of water discharge, but by October 10, 2023, six spillage gates were opened due to rising water inflow, with the aim of preserving the dam’s integrity and technological installations.
The intensified spillage led to overflowing riverbanks, displacing communities across nine different district assemblies in the Volta and Eastern regions. These floods have resulted in various challenges, including power outages, submerged houses, and food shortages.
Notable hospitality facilities, such as Villa Cisneros, Sogakope Beach Resort and Spa, and Holy Trinity Spa and Health Farm, have also been affected. In addition, the Comboni District Hospital in Sogakope had to evacuate at least 25 nurses from their quarters.
This spillage exercise is not unprecedented, as similar actions have been taken in previous years to prevent dam overtopping. The Volta River Authority has an Emergency Preparedness Plan (EPP) with different phases to mitigate the effects of these exercises, ensuring that they are conducted in a controlled and responsible manner.
Source: Graphic Online