The Akosombo dam spillage flood and the looming dangers Ghana will face are unimaginable.
Have we as a nation considered the structural weaknesses of the buildings that have already been submerged in the floods? Some of these buildings will break, crack, and fall before the water recedes. Many more will become weak and serve as a threat to those who reinhabit it.
Structural damage: The floodwaters can cause structural damage to buildings, such as erosion of foundations, cracking of walls, and collapse of roofs.
Electrical damage: The floodwaters can cause electrical damage to buildings, such as short circuits, power outages, and damage to electrical wiring.
Water damage: The floodwaters can cause water damage to buildings, such as mold growth, rotting of wood, and damage to furniture and other belongings.
Most of these buidlings will have to be destroyed or pulled down due to their weakness caused by the water.
Health hazards: The floodwaters can create health hazards, such as the growth of mold and the spread of waterborne diseases.
Contamination: The floodwaters can contaminate buildings with sewage, chemicals, and other pollutants.
Cemetries in the affected areas have also been invaded by the flood waters, and this can easily expose buried bodies. The bad odour from these places as the water is reduced will increase the chances of air-related diseases, among others.
- Exhumation of graves: Floodwaters can erode soil and cause graves to collapse, exposing human remains. This can be a distressing and disrespectful experience for families and loved ones of the deceased.
- Contamination of groundwater: Floodwaters can carry pollutants and pathogens into the ground, which can contaminate groundwater. This can pose a health risk to people who drink or use groundwater for other purposes.
- Seeing graves flooded can be a distressing experience for people who have lost loved ones. It can also be a reminder of the fragility of life and the power of nature.
The Akosombo dam spillage has caused a number of negative effects, including:
- Displacement of people: The spillage has forced thousands of people from their homes, as floodwaters have inundated homes, buildings, and farms. This has caused widespread disruption to people’s lives, and many people are now living in temporary shelters.
- Damage to property: The floodwaters have caused damage to homes, businesses, and infrastructure. This includes damage to buildings, roads, bridges, and crops. The cost of repairing this damage is likely to be significant.
- Loss of livelihoods: The spillage has caused many people to lose their livelihoods. Farmers have lost their crops, and businesses have been forced to close. This has led to a loss of income for many people, and it is likely to have a negative impact on the local economy.
- Health risks: The floodwaters can pose a number of health risks. This includes the risk of waterborne diseases, such as cholera and typhoid. The floodwaters can also attract mosquitoes, which can spread diseases such as malaria.
- Environmental damage: The spillage can cause environmental damage. This includes the erosion of riverbanks and the destruction of vegetation. The spillage can also pollute waterways with sediment and other pollutants.
The negative effects of the Akosombo dam spillage are likely to be felt for some time to come.
The government is providing assistance to those affected by the spillage, but it is likely to take time for people to rebuild their lives.
In addition to the immediate negative effects, the Akosombo dam spillage is also likely to have a number of long-term negative effects.
This includes the risk of increased flooding in the future, as the dam is likely to be filled to capacity more often due to climate change.
The spillage is also likely to have a negative impact on the local economy, as it will discourage tourism and investment in the area.