Three regions record lesser disaster cases in 2019 - NADMO

The Bono, Bono East and Ahafo Regions Office of the National Disaster Management Organisation (NADMO) recorded 194 disaster cases in 2019 compared to 273 in 2018.

Mr. Rasheed Konlaabig, the Director responsible for the three regions said in an interview with the Ghana News Agency after the staff’s maiden end of year party on Thursday said, however, about 418 houses, 27 schools and 1,210 acres of crops were destroyed at a total cost of GhC5,949,100.00 in the year under review.

Mr. Konlaabig said 6,842 people were affected by different tragedies this year but in 2018 the figure was 19,311.

Among the causes were rain and wind storms 82, flood 7, domestic fire 61, bush fire 42 and accident two, he added.

Mr. Konlaabig expressed regret that despite the reduction in the number of disaster cases in 2019, lives lost were too much, 64 as against eight in 2018.

He explained the reduction in cases was due to instituted measures such as intensive public education through a number of local FM radio stations, community durbars and house to house campaign.

Mr. Konlaabig stated that NADMO in collaboration with other stakeholders embarked on inspection and visits to markets, hotels and gas filling stations to educate traders, operators and staff to strictly adhere to occupational and fire safety rules and regulations to prevent the occurrence of fire disasters.

He announced the regional office formed 290 Disaster Volunteer Groups (DVGs) to assist in disaster management while capacity building training programmes were organised for staff to increase their skills for efficient disaster management.

Mr. Peter Baagah Kluni, a Deputy Director-General in-charge of Livelihood and DVGs stressed the need for the staff of the Organisation to be united to achieve the primary goal of managing disasters and effectively providing relief for victims.