The Ghana Red Cross Society (GRCS) has reported that a total of 3,149 individuals have been displaced as a result of severe flooding in Buipe, located in the Central Gonja District of the Savannah Region. This includes 571 male adults, 603 female adults, 950 male children, and 1,025 female children.
Mr. Solomon Gayoni, Secretary General of GRCS, conveyed this information after visiting some of the affected communities.
Many of the displaced individuals are currently accommodated in local classrooms, but this arrangement has resulted in challenges related to water, sanitation, and hygiene.
Mr. Gayoni pointed out that public latrines in the area have been submerged by floodwaters, leading to water contamination and creating conditions conducive to potential epidemics. There are concerns about diseases such as malaria, cholera, intestinal infections, and typhoid.
The flooding occurred approximately two weeks ago when the Black Volta River overflowed its banks, a consequence of heavy rains in the upstream areas.
Many communities in the Buipe region remain submerged in floodwaters. According to Mr. Gayoni, this year's flooding has been particularly severe.
Despite the magnitude of the situation, there appears to be limited collaboration among various stakeholders involved in providing assistance to the displaced persons.
Mr. Gayoni called for a coordinated approach among disaster management stakeholders to support those affected by the floods.
He specifically urged the Ghana Health Service and other healthcare providers to become involved.
In response to the crisis, the GRCS has provided tents for the displaced individuals, accommodating about 42 households.
Efforts are ongoing to secure more shelter kits for those in need, as some are still appealing for assistance in obtaining shelter.
- Reporting by Albert Futukpor: Editing by Adewale Adejoke