The National Disaster Management Organization (NADMO) has made initial assessment of the extent of damage caused by last Thursday’s flash floods in the Upper West Region.

Upper West Regional Director of NADMO, Ahmed Mustapha, stated that assessment done in three districts, which formed the epic center of the disaster, revealed that a total of 722 farmlands belonging to 1,605 farmers have been destroyed. 

He said 336 individuals, comprising 80 households have been displaced following the collapse of their houses.

Ahmed Mustapha made the revelation in an exclusive interview with JoyNews.

The disaster is as a result of last Thursday’s torrential rains that washed off several roads, thereby cutting eight Municipalities and Districts off from the regional capital.

Ahmed Mustapha noted that the assessment was done using Assembly Men from the various communities.

He said they have on hand, relief items to dole out to the victims who are located in the Jirapa Municipality and Nadowli-Kaleo and Daffiama-Bussie-Issa Districts.

Their major worry, for now, is how to have access to the communities and victims because many of them are still inundated with water and their roads destroyed.

The Upper West Regional Director of NADMO appealed to persons living in low lying areas to quickly evacuate as the meteorological agency has forecast more rain in the region.

He urged religious and educational authorities to cede their institutions, especially schools, to be used as temporary shelter for victims of the disaster.

Roads and Highways Minister, Kwasi Amoako-Atta was in the region on Monday to abreast himself with the extent of damage caused by the violent floods.

He flew into town in a helicopter and visited all the disaster struck areas before returning to Wa to meet the overlord of the Waala traditional area, Naa Fuseini Seidu Pelpuo IV and his subjects.

He told the chiefs that although the damage on the roads is colossal, government is keeping a close eye on the situation and will fix them in record time.