Residents of Adaklu-Helekpe in the Volta Region are living in fear after a massive mudslide from the 600-metre Adaklu Mountain buried several homes and vehicles during a heavy rainstorm on Wednesday evening.
The incident occurred shortly after 6 p.m. following a downpour that triggered the movement of mud and huge rocks from the mountain onto parts of the community.
At least five houses and nine vehicles were buried under the debris, while dozens of residents fled their homes in panic as the mud and rocks swept through the area.
Two persons — a man and a woman — who became trapped beneath the debris were rescued by local residents moments before personnel from the Ghana National Fire Service (GNFS) arrived at the scene. The injured victims were later rushed to the hospital for treatment.
The disaster also killed about 50 goats and several other livestock, worsening the devastation suffered by affected families.
Many displaced residents have since sought refuge with relatives and sympathisers as fear and anxiety continue to spread through the community.
Speaking after assessing the situation, the Volta Regional Commander of the GNFS, Assistant Chief Fire Officer (ACFO) Joseph Tetteh Freeman, confirmed that no deaths were recorded in the incident.
“This is because we need to bring in geological engineers to assess the situation,” he explained while ordering residents living close to the affected area to evacuate immediately and stay away for at least one week.
According to him, the mud and debris covered a large stretch of land, forcing authorities to caution residents against visiting nearby farms until the area is declared safe.
ACFO Freeman also praised local residents for their swift intervention in rescuing the trapped victims.
“We will continue to visit Adaklu-Helekpe until we are sure the place is safe,” he affirmed.
Officials from the National Disaster Management Organisation (NADMO) later joined emergency responders at the scene to assess the extent of destruction and support affected families.
The latest incident has revived painful memories in the community after a similar disaster in 2017, when massive rocks from the Adaklu Mountain reportedly exploded violently and sent debris crashing into the town, causing residents to flee for safety.
