A downpour Monday morning that lasted over nine hours has caused the worst ever floods in 40 years in eight communities in the Eastern region. Residents of the eight communities were overwhelmed when the Birim River broke its banks due to downpour and flooded their homes destroying properties worth millions of Cedis. The worst affected communities include Jejeti, Anyinam, and Mampong in the Atiwa district and Osinor and Juaso in the Fanteakwa district. Several farmlands were also submerged and the floods also affected a section of the Accra-Kumasi road. Vehicles which attempted to cross were washed away. Among the victims of the floods is the former Chief of Defense Staff, Lt. Gen. J.B. Danquah who sought refuge on the first floor of his storey building. Lt. Gen. JB Danquah who disclosed that, of his two buildings, the shortest together with his cars were submerged in the floods. He blamed the floods on the increasing spate of illegal mining otherwise known as galamsy. He explained that because of galamsy mining, the course of River Birim has been diverted depriving several streams from flowing into it. According to him, during the downpour those streams could not have a free passage leading to River Birim and the streams breaking their banks. Mary Datteh, a Principal Midwifery Officer at the New Jejeti Health Centre which was equally affected by the downpour told Joy News that over 6,000 folders and other equipment have been totally destroyed. Other victims who also spoke to Joy News said their domestic animals have been swept away by the floods. Nana Danso the Atiwa District Coordinator told Joy News NADMO officials in the District have been assessing the damage and will make a formal declaration on the extent of damage on Tuesday. Source: Myjoyonline.com/Ghana