Floods - Three Die In Northern Region

The latest havoc caused by persistent rains in the Northern Region has caused three deaths with a number of houses destroyed in some of the worst affected communities.

The hardest hit areas are Gumani, Builpela, Choggu and some surrounding communities, where many rooms and houses collapsed, destroying property in the process.

The latest body discovered in the disaster is that of a security man with a firm in Tamale, Mohammed Amin, 45.

Witnesses said he died last Thursday night in his attempt to cross a flooded area at Gumani on his way home after work.

At the time of filing this report, preparations were underway at the Tamale Teaching Hospital for his burial.

Some of those who have lost their houses are currently putting up with friends and relations while those who suffered severe injuries are receiving treatment at the Tamale Hospital.

Some of the victims the Graphic spoke to appealed to the authorities of the Tamale Metropolitan Assembly, the National Disaster Management Organisation (NADMO) and philanthropists to go to their aid.

A victim, Afah Muhammadu Iddi, said, ''At the moment, all what I have is what I am wearing, the rest of my belongings and those of my children such as books and other valuable items were either carried away or soaked''.

When the Northern Regional Coordinator for the National Disaster Management Organisation (NADMO), Alhaji Mahmud Alhassan, was contacted, he confirmed the incidents and said NADMO officials were currently assessing the situation.

He urged the public to report such events to his outfit for intervention. He, however, advised residents living in lowland areas in the metropolis to vacate to forestall further disaster, as there were still signs of more rains.

The coordinator observed that the long-term solution to the recurrent problem was for the construction of more storm drains in those flood-prone suburbs.

''Residents should also ensure that they make adequate consultations with the appropriate authorities on land before buying it to put up structures, to forestall any future difficulties,'' he further advised.