The North East Regional NADMO Director, Alhassan John Kweku has called on the general public, especially residents in flood-prone areas to be cautious during heavy rainfall.

“We are appealing to residents, especially those of our people who are living in these areas, that are likely to be affected and the flood-prone areas to be cautious about their own lives,” he said.

This he apprised, is necessary as it will help protect lives, “because it is important that they take their lives very seriously, so that we don’t lose any lives any longer.” 

His advise comes after parts of the Northern region got submerged following torrential rains on Monday, leaving scores of residents stranded in the affected areas.

Speaking on JoyNews’ AM Show on Tuesday, the NADMO Director noted that people who attempt to walk through the rain to get to their various destinations are mostly the ones who get trapped.

He cited for instance that, “in the Chereponi area, there was a situation where three young ladies went to wash in a stream, after which they decided to swim and then the water carried them away."

“In Nunprugi for instance, a woman and her daughter went to a farm and then on their return, there was a heavy downpour. Instead of them to stay at a particular place for the water to recede before they cross, they attempted crossing and the water carried them away,” he said.

He said the organization is, therefore, appealing to residents of such areas to look for a safer place to stay till the rains subside.

“So we are just appealing to residents, rainwater is not something that we can be playing with, so when it is raining, get a place to stay so that when the rain subsides you can continue your journey.”

He, however, assured that although it is raining in Dambaga, the situation in the North-East Region is under control as “NADMO is positioning itself strategically to deal with any situation that will arise.”

Meanwhile, the residents say they are worried as they fear their situation may worsen should the Burkinabe authorities go ahead with their planned spillage of the Bagre Dam.

Yesterday’s rainfall was the second major flood to hit the town in three days.

It took the help of some personnel from the Ghana National Fire Service and the NADMO to rescue some residents who were trapped in homes and about 10 who nearly got carried away.