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17.03.2017 Social News

Public urged to de-silt drains to prevent flooding

17.03.2017 LISTEN
By GNA

By Robert Anane, GNA Accra, March 17, GNA - The public has been urged to de-silt drains, to prevent flooding during this year's major rainy season.

According to the Ghana Meteorological Agency(GMA), southern Ghana is expected to have much heavier rains during this year's season than that of last year.

In an interview with the Ghana News Agency, Mr Michael Padi, Senior Meteorologist at the

Ghana Meteorological Agency, said huge volumes of water were expected, adding that choked drains would lead to heavy flooding.

He said structures that were in water ways also had to be removed for flooding to be prevented during the season.

The senior meteorologist said the early period of the season would be characterised by rains accompanied by thunderstorms, which meant there would also be lightening.

'Lightening is attracted by elevated structures. The best place to hide during these rains is in rooms and not underneath trees which easily attract lightening,' he said.

Mr Padi said trees and other structures, which were close to electric wires and not strong enough to stand firm during storms should be either demolished or restructure to stand beneath the wires.

He said this would reduce the risk of the wires being destroyed during these storms.

'In order to prevent casualties during the storms, weak structures should be strengthened,' said Mr Padi.

He said incidents such as buildings collapsing and harming people, as well as roof tops being blown off would be prevented, if the public as well as the various authorities concerned, made it a point to ensure that all weak buildings and structures were strengthened or renovated to withstand the on-coming storms.

The senior Meteorologist cautioned motor vehicle drivers to be extra cautious, during the rainy season.

'Wait patiently for the rains to recede before continuing your journey, slow down, switch on your light, take all precautions necessary,' he said. GNA

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