The Ghana Meteorological Agency urges the public to exercise caution during heavy rains

General News of Monday, April 15, 2019

Source: ghananewsagency.org

2019-04-15

The Ghana Meteorological Agency (GMA) has warned the public that heavy rains in the southern half of the country could be accompanied by high winds.

He urged the public to take the necessary precautions to stay safe.

According to earlier forecasts on Sunday, torrential rains were expected over parts of the Volta, East and Greater Accra.

The GMA urged the public to take security measures to minimize the number of casualties during this year's rainy season.

Southern Ghana is currently experiencing heavy rains, which began around 17:00 GMT.

Mr. Michael Padi, Senior Meteorologist, said that people should be especially careful when moving in heavy rain because the drains are overflowed, making it difficult to determine which area is safe.

"It is best to find a safe shelter nearby and wait for the floods to recede before moving," he said.

Mr. Padi said the public should avoid sheltering under fragile structures or under shady trees, as the rains would usually be accompanied by high winds, which could be a hazard.

He said that structures with pointed roofs attracted lightning and were not safe to use as shelter.

"By experience, people are aware of the consequences of heavy rains in their different regions, which lead to floods, so they have to move to safer locations during heavy rains," he said.

Mr. Padi urged drivers to be extra careful when it rained, as slippery roads made driving more dangerous and flooded roads made it difficult to locate a huge gutter or sewer.

"The best thing to do when it rains heavily is to stop and take shelter in the safest place," he said.