The recent spillage of the Akosombo and Kpong Dams resulted in the displacement of thousands of people living along the lower Volta River basin, making life extremely difficult for the victims.

According to reports, over 26,000 residents have been impacted, and more than 8,000 have been rescued.

In roughly nine different district assemblies in the Volta and Eastern Regions, including the North, Cen­tral, and South Tongu District assem­bly, Shai Osudoku, and Ada, among others, the spillage has forced the relocation of various settlements.

Homes have been submerged because of the spillage, leaving the residents homeless. Businesses like fishing have also been impacted.

People have also suffered physi­cal harm. Schools have been closed indefinitely. Houses have collapsed, and property worth millions of Cedis has been destroyed.

The evacuated victims are now being housed in shelters and schools, while some are staying with friends and relatives.

The situation is critical, and immediate action is required to improve it and help the afflicted residents.

The Volta River Authority (VRA) claims that the spillage began as a result of a steady upstream rise in water levels brought on by pro­longed rains, and that the measure was taken to safeguard the dam and avert potential calamities.

According to VRA, the goal is to preserve the dam’s integrity when the water input is excessive. Unfor­tunately, the spillage’s repercussions are a regrettable situation, but they are necessary to save the dam.

The Spectator is urging individu­als, corporate entities, and religious organisations, among others, to ease the suffering of the affected resi­dents by providing them with com­forting supplies such as food, water, mattresses, toiletries, detergents, sanitary towels, medical supplies, blankets, and mosquito nets while they recover from their shock.

The National Disaster Manage­ment Organisation (NADMO) appears to be overburdened with the number of victims; as a result, despite the intervention, it lacks the resources to adequately carry out its purpose.

The numbers are overwhelming and as a result, everyone must come on board as soon as possible to aid the victims out of their affliction.

There are reports that more neighbourhoods will be impacted because the spillage is still ongoing and VRA is unsure of when the water will start to recede,

The Spectator applauds the government representa­tives and other individuals who have visited the victims to express their sympathies and provide them with help in var­ious ways, but more has to be done to support their efforts.

Additionally, we beg pharmaceutical firms and medical professionals to step up their efforts immediately to help prevent the outbreak of cholera and other water-borne illnesses.

Because of the crowding and sanitation issues, nearby healthcare facilities must also be prepared in case a disease outbreak occurs.

In the future, the flooding ca­tastrophe should serve as a reminder for the government to fully fund NADMO and make investments in early warning systems to avoid simi­lar regrettable circumstances.

The government must also take the necessary steps to prepare for future compensation for the affect­ed residents.

Let us all make a concerted effort to support victims of the Ako­sombo and Kpong floods.