Flooding in Ghana’s capital kills 13 people, officials urge residents to move to high ground

Flooding has killed 13 people in Ghana’s capital, Accra, according to a report by BBC World on June 30, citing the latest accounts from emergency responders and local authorities. The flooding affected areas low-lying enough to accumulate fast-moving storm water and prompted warnings for residents to take immediate precautions.

Residents were urged to relocate to higher ground where possible, or to stay indoors if moving was not safe, the report said. The warning was tied to forecasts of additional rainfall, which officials said could worsen conditions and increase the risk of further river and drainage overflow.

The flooding came amid heavy seasonal rains, and the impact was described as severe enough to cause fatalities. As of the report, emergency crews were dealing with the aftermath and responding to the most affected areas, though the BBC report did not specify particular neighborhoods, dates of the worst flooding, or the breakdown of deaths by location.

In the same update, authorities reiterated the need for people to avoid waterlogged roads and areas where floodwaters can rise quickly. Officials also focused on public instructions aimed at reducing exposure, including staying away from rising water and moving to safer ground when possible.

The report added that another storm was expected, reinforcing the guidance for residents to prepare for potentially renewed hazards. That includes the possibility of additional flooding after the initial surge, particularly for families living near streams, drainage channels, or other low-lying areas.

The situation has raised concerns about preparedness for high-intensity rainfall events in the capital, where inadequate drainage or limited space for relocation can raise the danger to residents. Local emergency response efforts are expected to continue as weather conditions develop.

The next key development will be updates on whether the additional storm arrives as forecast and whether officials revise shelter and evacuation guidance in response to changing rainfall and flood levels. Authorities are also likely to continue assessing damage and confirming the number of casualties as reporting from affected areas is completed.