A consolidated report on flood situation in Southern Ghana - June 2010 Floods Destruction caused by floods in Swedru Township - Central Region (Photo by PRS&D) Report by: UNFPA, WFP, WHO, IOM, UNESCO, OCHA, World Vision, Presbyterian Relief Service and Development, Ghana Red Cross, and Information gathered from National Disaster Management Organization (NADMO) and District Coordinating Assembly. 12th July 2010 1. Introduction Background The Coastal Regions of Southern Ghana experienced prolonged heavy (torrential) rainfall for a period of up to five (5) consecutive days starting on 20th June 2010. This resulted in severe flooding affecting several parts of Greater Accra, Central, Volta, Eastern and Western Regions. As of 7th July, the latest NADMO reports indicated that at least 33,602 people were affected with up to 15,000 displaced – living in temporary shelters and 36 dead. The destruction caused by the flash floods has been immense especially in Central Region where a whole Township of Swedru was rendered non-commercial for a period of four days following collapse of three bridges connecting the town to the rest of the region. NADMO has been in the forefront of coordinating the rescue operation and relief response to the flood victims. However, as the situation continues to worsen and many parts of the country become affected; their capacity has been overwhelmed mainly with regards to provision of relief assistance. As a result, the Inter-Agency Working Group resolved to undertake a rapid joint mission to the worst affected areas to assess the situation, understand the magnitude of the effects of the flood and finally be in a position to mobilize for additional support for NADMO. On July 2nd, a team comprising of UNFPA, WFP, WHO, IOM, UNESCO, OCHA, World Vision, Presbyterian Relief Service and Development, Ghana Red Cross, NADMO and the District Assembly of Swedru visited at least two districts in Central Region reported to have been worst affected. They included: Agona West district - Nyakrom, Swedru Township and Gomoa East Districts - Tekyiam, Ekwamkrom. The team observed that several houses and business premises had either collapsed or had been submerged rendering thousands homeless. In addition at least three communities had been marooned following the collapse of bridges and several acres of farm land (400) inundated destroying maize, cassava, pepper, tomatoes, rice crops etc The objective of this report The purpose of this assessment report is to consolidate existing information available on the humanitarian situation and to provide the UN and other humanitarian partners with relevant data to inform the design of a coordinated approach and appropriate response in the flood affected areas Methodology and information sources . Briefings from the NADMO District Officers and District Assemblies on the current situation . Briefings from representatives of affected communities . Household interviews . The media . NADMO HQ consolidated reports. 2. Overview of the flood situation per region 2.1 Central Region: . Swedru Township is noted to be the worst affected. There was severe destruction to the entire infrastructure including: houses, businesses, schools, churches, bridges and the stadium. Movement across the town has been limited following the collapse of three bridges – main Akora Bridge in central town, Bailey bridge and a foot bridge. The Military Service has mounted a temporary bridge which can only be used as foot path. The bridge connecting Tekyiam village to (Bawjiase) has also collapsed limiting movement. Notably, children cannot access schools as they are on the other side of the community. In terms of quantifiable damage: o 11 deaths recorded in Nyakrom – East Agona District; o total figure of affected in Agona West District stands at over 14,000 – about 1,300 in camp settings, 2,000 staying with families, 11,000 affected one way or the other i.e. loss of property, house submerged, cut off, inundated farmland etc; o 1,000 sacks of cocoa were destroyed at the Cocoa Shed; o 400 youth rendered jobless due to destruction of their makeshift workplaces and working tools swept away by flood waters; o two schools affected Presbyterian School in Salem and Assemblies of God in Nyakrom; the District Education Directorate completely flooded resulting in loss of computers and other resource materials . Several camps exist in the district located at Ahmmadyia Junior School, Salem KGS, Town Hall and Abunjui Guest House all totalling (1014 people) in Swedru Township. Other camp sites are located at Domeki in Agona East District (169 people); in Gomoa East District at – Nsuaem, Tekyiam Primary School,Besease and Achiase Teachers quarter (610 people in total). With regards to sanitation, the district septic tank has been destroyed and latrines submerged. There is dire need to provide mobile toilets to cater for the urgent need presented. There are also implications of pollution of water sources and potential infections. Commercial service has immensely suffered. Four days after the floods, there was no commercial activity since the township was inundated and completely cut off from neighbouring communities following the collapse of bridges. According to the District Executive Officer – the district collects up to 300,000 Ghana cedis daily in revenue. However, as a result of the floods, the District lost up to 1.2 million cedis. In addition, following the collapse of the bridge, many traders have opted for other unaffected areas and no longer bring business to Swedru town. 2.2 Greater Accra Region: . The most affected area is Ashaiman, where up to 15 people lost their lives and at least 2,200 rendered homeless. Others areas affected include: Tema, Katamaso, Adenta, Dawhenya, Bundase, Ningo, Afienya etc. The number one priority concern is the status of water and sanitation facilities. In areas with high population, illiteracy and uncontrolled development i.e. Tema and Ashaiman; basic sanitation facilities such as toilets and bathroom consists of temporary structures that were not able to withstand the force of water collapsing in the process. Broken and or perforated water pipelines along the path of flood water mix up with already contaminated water. It has been observed that Accra flooding was caused mainly by existence of buildings in water ways and construction of roads without proper drainage alignment. The Aburi Mountains were the primary cause of the recent floods. Flood devastation can still be observed in Ashaiman i.e. underground telephone lines exposed with some broken, washed street lights and collapsed buildings. An effort to dredge sea weeds and other debris is ongoing in Sakumono Lagoon area. Most members of displaced households are staying with friends and family relations; others have started to reconstruct and move back to their old homes. 2.3 Volta Region: . Affected areas are in Ketu South District – Adina, Agbozome, Denu Klikor and Keta Municipality – Akporwotokor, Kedzi and Anloga-Dornorgbor. The major road linking Dakordzi/Akplorwotorkor to Dzita and Anyanui communities has been completely washed away by tidal waves. At least 378 hectares of farmlands with maize and other vegetables belonging to Community- Based Groups under the Millennium Challenge Account were submerged and destroyed. The Flood was attributed to technical/engineering defects, non adherence to building regulations, and deposit of domestic waste into drainage system etc. There has been a negative impact on economic and livelihood of at least four communities affected – almost rendered to a halt. Poor sanitation as a result of non-existence drainage system resulting in a slight increase in malaria and diarrhoea cases as reported by the Volta Regional Health Director. 2.4 Western Region: . Affected areas include Nzema East, Tarkwa Nsuaem, Sekondi/Takoradi and Enchi. It is observed that floods occurred mainly in low lying areas due to choked and dirt culverts as in the case of Sekondi – Takoradi; and also due to construction in water ways. In Ahunyame community in East Nzema, at least 30 houses were completely destroyed. Tarkwa Secondary School was also affected due to it location. It’s situated in low laying area between two hills; also the mining activities upstream limits the flow of water into the stream 3. Sector Concerns Health: Diarrhoeal diseases, malaria, and acute respiratory infections present the most significant risk to morbidity and mortality in the flood affected communities. Cases of malaria, diarrhoea and coughing are already being witnessed in some of the affected areas i.e. in Volta and Central Regions. Use of nets, particularly by children under five and pregnant mothers is extremely low. An increase in incidences of malaria, diarrhoea and respiratory infections is likely to be observed in the event of delayed intervention. Prevention (hygiene promotion, water purification, safe water storage) and community based management of diarrhoea with ORS is recommended. Education of the affected population especially mothers regarding the signs and symptoms of pneumonia, and the need for prompt antibiotic treatment is recommended also. While there hasn’t been a significant damage on health infrastructure in most of the affected communities, access to medical facilities including services for pregnant women is limited due to long distances or communities being cut off. Water and Sanitation: Poor access to safe sources of water and adequate sanitation facilities contributes to the transmission of water and food borne disease.