The Weija-Gbawe Municipal office of the National Disaster Management Organisation (NADMO) has issued an urgent evacuation directive to residents living along the Weija Dam spillway, following the controlled opening of spill gates to discharge excess water.
In a notice issued on Monday, June 29, NADMO said the decision was necessitated by heavy inflows from the Nsawam area into the Weija Dam reservoir, which are threatening to exceed the dam’s maximum capacity.
To manage the rising water levels, the dam’s operators have opened three spill gates, each releasing water at high intensity at 30 inches, a situation expected to significantly increase downstream flow.
NADMO warned that communities downstream of the dam face a high risk of flooding and urged residents in low-lying areas to move immediately to higher ground without waiting for visible floodwaters.
“Residents must leave low areas immediately — don’t wait to see the water. Move to higher ground,” the statement said.
The disaster management authority also appealed to residents to assist vulnerable persons, including the elderly, children, and individuals without mobile phones, by ensuring they are promptly informed and evacuated.
It further advised residents to carry only essential items such as identification documents, medication, phones and chargers, cash, and important papers, preferably secured in waterproof bags. Residents were also strongly cautioned against attempting to cross floodwaters under any circumstances.
“Avoid crossing flood waters — 6 inches can knock you down. 2 feet can carry a car,” the statement added.
NADMO listed several communities at risk, including Tetegu, Weija, SCC, Old Barrier, Oblogo, Mallam Junction, Aplaku, Bortianor, parts of Dansoman, and parts of Sampah, urging immediate relocation.
Residents in need of assistance have been advised to contact the national emergency line 112 or reach NADMO through 0302 964 884, 0244 429 315, and 0244 480 355. The Weija-Gbawe NADMO Director can also be reached on 0244 429 315.
