What is the location of the flooding?
Since June 29, 2026, torrential rainfall has triggered severe flooding across southern Ghana, with the capital city of Accra experiencing the worst impacts. Approximately 140 mm of rain fell within a short period, making it one of the heaviest rainfall events recorded in the city in recent years.
Floodwaters submerged roads, homes, businesses, and critical infrastructure, while authorities warned that additional storms approaching from the east could worsen conditions (1).
Which cities or areas are affected by the flooding?
Flooding in Ghana has primarily affected the low-lying and densely populated areas of the Accra metropolitan area, including flood-prone neighborhoods near waterways, communities surrounding affected power substations, and other vulnerable parts of the Greater Accra Region.
Many roads, homes, markets, and businesses remain inundated as floodwaters gradually recede across the capital (2).
What is the current containment status of the flooding?
Containment efforts remain ongoing as emergency responders continue rescue and relief operations across Accra. The Ghana National Fire Service has rescued more than 470 people, while police, military personnel, and the National Disaster Management Organization have been deployed to affected communities (3).
The government has allocated 300 million Ghanaian cedis for relief and recovery operations as damage assessments continue.
Are there any evacuation orders or alerts in place?
Authorities have urged residents in flooded communities to relocate to higher ground and avoid travel through inundated areas. While no large-scale mandatory evacuation orders have been announced, officials continue advising residents to stay indoors if safe and seek emergency assistance if homes become flooded (4).
The Ghana Meteorological Agency has warned that additional rainfall is expected across southern Ghana, increasing the risk of further flooding.
How can I protect myself from mold after flooding?
It’s important to take steps to prevent mold after a flood.
- Before entering a flooded area, make sure it is safe and free from electrical hazards or structural damage.
- Use protective gear: wear gloves, goggles, and a KN95/FFP2 mask to minimize exposure to mold spores.
- If there is still standing water, remove it as quickly as possible. Use pumps, wet-dry vacuums, or buckets to extract the water.
- Open windows and doors to facilitate air circulation and use fans, dehumidifiers, and HVAC systems to help dry the space. This step is crucial within the first 24-48 hours after flooding to prevent mold growth.
- Remove and discard any items that have been severely damaged by floodwater and cannot be thoroughly cleaned and dried. This includes carpets, upholstered furniture, mattresses, and any other porous materials.
- Thoroughly clean all hard surfaces with a detergent or cleaner suitable for mold remediation. Use a solution of 1.5 cups of bleach mixed with one gallon of water to disinfect nonporous surfaces. Never mix bleach with ammonia or other cleaning products, as the fumes are toxic.
- Maintain an indoor relative humidity (RH) of 35-50%. High humidity promotes mold growth, so consider using dehumidifiers in damp areas.
- Run a high-performance air purifier for mold, both during and after the mold removal work.
- If the flooding and mold damage are extensive, consider contacting professionals specializing in mold remediation to ensure proper cleanup and restoration.
Remember, mold can pose health risks, so it's important to take these steps promptly and thoroughly. If you experience persistent mold-related health issues or have concerns about extensive mold growth, consult with a medical professional or a mold remediation specialist.
