A devastating rainstorm has wreaked havoc across several communities in the Kpandai District of Ghana’s Northern Region, leaving one person dead, numerous others injured, and hundreds displaced.
The disaster, which struck on Wednesday, March 5, 2025, is the second of its kind in less than three weeks, intensifying concerns over the increasing frequency of extreme weather events.
The worst-affected areas include Wiae, Labrido, Kabonwule, and Buya, where homes, schools, health centres, and places of worship have been severely damaged. Victims of the storm are currently seeking refuge with friends and relatives, while others have relocated to neighbouring communities, exacerbating overcrowding and discomfort.
Assemblyman for the Wiae Electoral Area, Mpoasan Bayido Robert, described the scale of destruction as immense. He detailed the extensive damage, citing the collapse of the Wiae CHPS Compound nurse’s quarters, ANC pavilion, Wiae D/A Kindergarten school block, Wiae Pentecost Church, and Labrido Chapel, which also serves as a classroom. Additionally, the Buya D/A Primary School has sustained significant structural damage.
“In Wiae alone, 104 houses have been destroyed, alongside several institutional facilities. Labrido has also lost 19 structures,” Mr Bayido Robert confirmed.
He has since issued an urgent appeal for support from the government, non-governmental organisations (NGOs), and benevolent individuals to assist in rebuilding efforts.
“There is an urgent need to restore the affected schools so that pupils can continue their education. With their classrooms destroyed, learning has been disrupted, putting the children’s academic progress at risk,” he lamented.
Residents have called for immediate intervention to provide relief and mitigate further hardships.
As displaced families struggle to find shelter and essential resources, local authorities and humanitarian agencies are being urged to respond swiftly to the crisis.
