GNFS rescues 479 people as floods, fires and building collapse hit Accra and Tema

The Ghana National Fire Service (GNFS) has revealed that its personnel rescued or safely evacuated 479 people during a three-day emergency response operation as severe flooding, fire outbreaks and a building collapse affected several communities across Accra, Tema and surrounding areas.

According to the Service, firefighters and rescue teams remained on high alert between June 28 and June 30, responding to dozens of incidents triggered by torrential rainfall and other emergencies.

The large-scale operations, conducted in collaboration with key emergency response agencies, resulted in hundreds of successful rescues. However, five people lost their lives during the period, one person sustained injuries, and another remains missing.

GNFS Battles Multiple Fire Outbreaks

The emergency response began on Sunday, June 28, when firefighters successfully contained two separate fires in Accra without any casualties.

At Lartebiokorshie, personnel from the Industrial Area Fire Station responded to a domestic fire at approximately 8:31 a.m. The blaze was brought under control within 25 minutes and fully extinguished by 9:29 a.m.

Although one room and its contents were destroyed, firefighters prevented the flames from spreading to an adjoining room and hall.

Later that day, firefighters from the Trade Fair Fire Station responded to a commercial fire at Labadi Kojo Sardine after receiving a distress call at 12:49 p.m. The fire partially damaged a metal container and its contents before being brought under control.

Preliminary investigations indicate that an overcharged solar battery may have triggered the incident.

Meanwhile, at Asutuare Junction, four fire tenders were deployed to tackle a fuel tanker fire. Firefighters managed to contain the blaze and eventually extinguished it.

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The tanker and its contents were completely destroyed. One person suffered injuries and was transported to hospital, while another person lost their life. Investigations into the cause of the fire are ongoing.

Flood Rescue Operations Save Hundreds

Following Monday's heavy rainfall, which caused extensive flooding across parts of Greater Accra and Tema, the GNFS intensified rescue efforts alongside the Ghana Police Service Marine Unit, the National Disaster Management Organisation (NADMO), and the Ghana Armed Forces.

At Tse-Ado Last Stop, emergency responders rescued 105 people trapped by floodwaters, including 40 women, 20 men and 45 children.

All affected persons were safely evacuated from the flooded area.

In the Tema Region, firefighters responded to 23 separate incidents within 24 hours, including fire outbreaks, flood emergencies and fallen trees.

Rescue teams saved 12 people trapped by rising waters and assisted more than 50 residents to safety in Tema Newtown.

However, the GNFS reported that a female trader remains missing after being swept away by floodwaters near the Tema Community One Market.

Building Collapse Avoids Major Disaster

Firefighters also responded to a structural emergency at Tabora No. 6 in Accra after a four-storey building collapsed.

Fortunately, all 12 occupants had evacuated the structure before the collapse occurred, preventing injuries and fatalities.

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The GNFS confirmed that no casualties were recorded in the incident.

More Than 300 Rescued in Adabraka-Odawna Operations

By the early hours of Tuesday, June 30, rescue teams had concluded extensive operations within the Adabraka-Odawna corridor, one of the areas hardest hit by the floods.

According to the Service, more than 300 people were rescued from floodwaters during the operation.

Despite the successful rescue efforts, four people — three males and one female — lost their lives as a result of the flooding.

Firefighters also managed to contain a major blaze at the Odawna Rubber Market near Kwame Nkrumah Circle.

Although several structures were destroyed, emergency crews prevented the fire from spreading to nearby properties. No casualties were recorded in the market fire.

The GNFS further disclosed that a fire appliance remains stationed at the scene to monitor the area and respond quickly to any possible re-ignition.

Five Dead, One Missing After Three Days of Emergencies

Providing a summary of the three-day emergency response, the Ghana National Fire Service stated that 479 people were rescued or safely evacuated across affected communities.

The Service recorded four flood-related deaths and one fire-related fatality, bringing the total death toll to five. One person sustained injuries, while a female trader remains missing following the flooding incident in Tema.

The latest figures highlight the devastating impact of the recent floods and underscore the critical role played by emergency responders in protecting lives and property during one of the region's most challenging weather events in recent years.