The aftermath of the recent floods at Odawna Sahara paints a stark picture: over 3,000 people displaced, their lives upended by the surging waters. The National Disaster Management Organisation (NADMO) confirms the extensive damage following the intense rainfall on May 18, 2025. The Accra flooding serves as a harsh reminder of the vulnerabilities faced by communities, and the urgent need for effective disaster relief measures. The Odawna Sahara floods underscore a critical need for improved waste management, infrastructure improvements, and robust disaster response strategies to safeguard vulnerable populations in Accra, a perspective strongly supported by NADMO’s initial assessments.

The Devastating Impact of the Odawna Sahara Floods

NADMO reports that over 3,000 individuals have been directly affected by the floods. Homes and businesses lie submerged, forcing residents to evacuate and disrupting daily life. A JoyNews correspondent, James Avedzi, described the scene as chaotic, with water levels reaching unprecedented heights.

The impact wasn’t limited to Odawna Sahara; the Accra flooding extended to Weija, Kaneshie, Adabraka, Adenta-Dodowa, Tema, and numerous surrounding towns. Major roads became impassable, effectively cutting off entire communities. The widespread nature of the Odawna Sahara floods highlights the interconnectedness of Accra’s infrastructure and the cascading effects of localized disasters.

NADMO’s Response and Prevention Measures

According to Mr. Hendrick Noble Kinnah, the Director of NADMO for Korle Klottey, poor waste disposal habits significantly contributed to the severity of the floods. Blocked drainage systems, clogged with improperly discarded refuse, were unable to cope with the intense rainfall.

“The indiscriminate dumping of waste into our drains is a major factor,” stated Mr. Kinnah. “We need a collective effort to change this behavior and ensure proper waste management practices are followed.”

NADMO has proposed solutions including reinforcement of the “Sister City” program to improve waste management strategies and ensuring that only accredited companies are responsible for collecting refuse from households. These measures aim to create a more sustainable and effective waste disposal system, reducing the risk of future blockages and subsequent flooding.

Tragic Loss of Life in Other Parts of Accra

Beyond Odawna Sahara, the heavy rains also claimed lives in other parts of Accra. MCE Ella Esiman Nongo of the Adentan Municipal Assembly confirmed three fatalities directly linked to the severe weather.

“It is with deep regret that I announce the loss of three lives due to the heavy rains,” said Ella Esiman Nongo. “Two deaths occurred in Lakeside, including a child, and one each in Nanakrom and New Legon.” The rainfall, lasting approximately three hours, was described as exceptionally intense, overwhelming drainage systems and leading to tragic consequences. The NADMO report also confirmed the devastating Accra flooding.

Addressing the Root Causes of Accra Flooding

The Odawna Sahara floods and related incidents expose deeper systemic issues contributing to Accra’s vulnerability. Inadequate drainage systems, coupled with rapid urbanization and poor urban planning, create conditions ripe for flooding even with moderate rainfall. Many areas lack sufficient infrastructure to effectively channel rainwater away from residential and commercial areas.

Furthermore, the waste management crisis exacerbates the problem. Improper disposal of waste, particularly plastics, directly contributes to the blockage of waterways. Public awareness campaigns and stricter enforcement of waste management regulations are essential to address this issue effectively. The challenges of disaster relief cannot be solved without solving waste management.

Increased frequency and intensity of rainfall are causes of concern for the increased devastation caused by the Odawna Sahara floods.

The recent events serve as a stark reminder of the urgent need for collective action. Addressing the root causes of Accra flooding requires a multi-faceted approach involving government agencies like NADMO, local communities, and individual citizens. Supporting local initiatives, advocating for policy changes that prioritize infrastructure improvements and responsible urban planning, and promoting responsible waste management practices are all crucial steps.

Only through concerted efforts can Accra mitigate the impact of future Odawna Sahara Floods and protect its vulnerable communities from the devastating consequences of severe weather events.