Rainfall Causes Havoc in Parts of Accra on 27th March 2025
On the morning of 27th March 2025, residents of Accra, the capital city of Ghana, woke up to heavy rainfall that wreaked havoc across several parts of the city. The downpour, which began early in the morning, was not only unusually intense but also lasted for several hours, creating widespread flooding and disrupting daily life. This weather event, characterized by both its strength and duration, left many areas of the city submerged, causing significant damage to infrastructure, property, and posing challenges to commuters.
As the rain began to fall, it quickly became apparent that Accra's drainage systems, many of which are outdated or poorly maintained, were not capable of handling the volume of water. Streets in areas such as Nima, Kaneshie, and Tema Motorway saw rapid flooding, with water levels rising swiftly and overflowing onto sidewalks, roads, and in some cases, homes and businesses. In these flood-prone neighborhoods, residents struggled to protect their homes from the surging waters, and many vehicles were stranded, caught in the floodwaters, unable to continue their journey.
Authorities and emergency responders were quickly mobilized to manage the situation. Firefighters and rescue teams worked tirelessly to help stranded individuals, while the National Disaster Management Organization (NADMO) issued warnings to the public to avoid flooded areas and seek higher ground. Despite these efforts, the scale of the flooding made it difficult for responders to reach every affected location in a timely manner. The disruption of transport networks was particularly problematic, with some major roads completely impassable, leading to severe traffic jams and delays throughout the city.
One of the significant challenges during the rainfall was the lack of proper drainage systems in many parts of Accra. Over the years, rapid urbanization, poor planning, and inadequate infrastructure investment have left the city vulnerable to severe flooding during periods of heavy rainfall. The inability of the city’s drains to cope with the large volumes of water exacerbated the flooding. In some areas, clogged gutters and trash blocking drainage systems only made matters worse, contributing to the extent of the damage.
In addition to the flooding, the rainstorm also led to widespread power outages in several neighborhoods. Fallen trees, uprooted by the strong winds accompanying the rain, brought down power lines, leaving thousands of residents without electricity for several hours. These outages disrupted businesses and households alike, adding to the already stressful situation.
Reports from local hospitals indicated a rise in injuries, as people slipped on flooded roads or were caught in accidents caused by the poor visibility and dangerous driving conditions. While the authorities worked to clear roads and assist in recovery, the psychological toll on residents was undeniable. The recurring nature of these heavy rains has prompted concerns about the long-term sustainability of Accra's urban development and its resilience to climate change.
By late afternoon, the rains subsided, and the floodwaters began to recede. However, the damage had already been done. Many homes had suffered water damage, and numerous businesses were forced to close for the day. Recovery efforts were underway as the city assessed the full extent of the destruction.
The 27th March rainfall serves as yet another reminder of Accra’s vulnerability to climate-related events and the urgent need for comprehensive urban planning, climate adaptation strategies, and improved infrastructure. While the city works to recover, officials and residents alike must reflect on how best to prepare for future weather events to minimize damage and protect the lives and livelihoods of Accra’s inhabitants.
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