The rainy season is here again with us and while others are fully prepared for the precipitation, others are ill-prepared on how to carry out their daily tasks without getting beaten by the rains.
Ghana, which is a country situated in the tropics, experiences two distinct weather seasons: the dry season and the wet season. The sky predominantly displays blue and white hues, indicating clear weather that many people appreciate for its bright sunlight and gentle, musical breeze.
The rainy season may set in during June and July and you have to prepare adequately to stay safe during the occasional rainy periods.
However, when it rains heavily in some parts of the country there is surety of flooding going to take place especially in the Greater Accra Region.
This is due to poor drainage systems, choked gutters and buildings in water ways. There has been little to no attention given to the causes of flooding in Ghana as the government allocates substantial financial resources to assist affected individuals instead of pursuing a sustainable resolution to the issue.
During this period, what are some of the precautionary measures to take? In my subsequent paragraphs, I have explained into detail 5 smart ways you can stay safe during the rainy season.
1 Avoid Visiting Flood-Prone Areas: Some places are known to be flood areas and to be on a safer side, it is advisable you do not trek those areas during times like this. Some of these places include Circle, Achimota, parts of Dansoman, Accra, Sakaman, parts of Takoradi including Market Circle, Effiekuma. Places like these are dangerous and you can become a victim to the floods if care is not taken.
Also, refrain from attempting to navigate through floodwaters, regardless of your confidence in your driving skills, as even a little volume of rushing water can easily displace a vehicle or destabilize someone. It is advisable to remain indoors until the rainfall subsides before proceeding to flood-affected areas.
2. Keep Your Gutters Clean: Choked gutters and culverts prevent running water from passing through the drainage systems and it is the major cause of flooding in most of the cities in Accra, Takoradi and other parts of the country. The reason why gutters and culverts get clogged is because people dump rubbish meant to be at the refuse dump in it.
Clean the gutters and culverts to make way for water to pass through. Another important reason to clean it is to prevent mosquitoes from breeding which may lead to the spread of malaria in the vicinity.
3. Do not Stand Under Tall Trees, Uncompleted Buildings And Electricity Poles: Standing under a tall tree during rainy seasons can cause fatalities.
This is because the heavy winds may carry objects in your direction and you might be heavily injured in the process. Some of the branches which are heavier can break and hit you hard.
Similarly, avoid standing close to electricity poles because these poles carry so much voltage and the rains and lightning can get you electrocuted.
Some of the poles might have its lines laying bare on the ground with power running through. It might be due to weak poles having its lines forcefully pulled down due to the heavy winds. Getting in contact with it can get you killed.
Also, standing under uncompleted buildings for safety when it is raining can be very risky.
Some of these unfinished structures may be in poor condition due to their delayed completion and the low grade of materials used.
There have been instances where some of these uncompleted structures have collapsed, resulting in the deaths of unsuspecting individuals who sought refuge during the rain.
4. Stay Indoors: One of the best decisions to take during these rainy days is to stay home if you do not have any business in town. It is mostly good to prepare ahead, make adjustments and prioritize your safety. You may have a tight schedule during this period but it is advisable to put some of your schedules on hold for your own safety.
An incident transpired in the country on June 3rd, 2015, during the rainy season, resulting in the loss of several lives. A catastrophic event resulting in the deaths of several individuals, including children, pregnant women, and both men and women.
A torrential downpour on that tragic day at Kwame Nkrumah Circle resulted in a nearby filling station igniting, leading to vehicles catching fire with individuals trapped inside, while the flooding left them with no escape route. It is important to remain indoors if you have no business in town.
5. Fix Your Electrical Appliances: faulty electrical appliances can lead to electric shocks and fire outbreaks. In order to prevent any unfortunate incidents during the rainy season, it is essential to repair your home appliances.
It is prudent to disconnect high-voltage devices which are not in use or are faulty during this time of the season to prevent the occurrence of fires in the event of lightning strikes.
Additionally, ensure that all appliances are turned off before departing the residence and that electronic devices are stored in impermeable containers or elevated surfaces.
In conclusion, the rainy season is here with us again and you must play your part to avoid any unfortunate incident. You can practice any of the above listed points to stay out of trouble. Your safety should be your primary concern.
