A deadly flood has swept through the Ghanaian capital of Accra, killing more than 200 people in a very devastating disaster.
The rain, which lasted for about 5 five hours, became deadly because authorities failed to compel a Brazilian construction company – Queiroz Galvao, who has been charged to construct an interchange in the center of the city, to construct a proper drainage system before commencing work.
Queiroz Galvao, started the construction of the interchange last year. According to the Ghanaian government, it is aimed at reducing the heavy traffic situation in the city. But instead of the company constructing the drainage system in the area first—to avoid a possible flood before putting up the pillars of the interchange—they decided to finish the project before working on the drains.
The epicenter of the disaster was a petrol station about 100 meters from the construction site. At the station, was a number of people who had sought refuge to avoid the rain. The rainwater, not having easy passage due to the lack of drains, diverted to the petrol station and flooded the area.
The underground petrol storage system then leaked and mixed with the water. Soon after, heavy lightning and thunder struck the area and a huge explosion erupted, killing many of the people who were avoiding the rain at the petrol station. Some bodies were burnt beyond recognition.
A number of houses in the area were also completely burnt. Many other victims sustained serious injuries. Official body counts puts the death toll at 200, but the unofficial sources that we gathered put the number at more than 200.
Since the incident, many have called for the resignation of the mayor of the city- Alfred Vanderpuye, but he has resisted such calls.
According to www.ghanacelebrities.com, many people have started putting down their signatures to petition the president to sack the city mayor, for his failure to safeguard lives and properties in the city.
The Ghanaian government has announced that it will help the families of the victims with an amount of $15 million. The money will be used to take care of their hospital bills and other costs.
You want to support Anonymous Independent & Investigative News? Please, follow us on Twitter: Follow @AnonymousNewsHQ
