Ghana navy rescues over 8,000 as dams overflow

Ghana has deployed its navy and other teams to rescue thousands of people affected by the spillage of excess water from some of the major dams amid heavy rains.

More than 8,000 people have been rescued in the Volta region after heavy flooding caused by the overflow of Akosombo and Kpong hydro-electric dams.

A navy official told local media that they had “evacuated over 8,000 flood-stricken people to safe havens”.

Commodore EA Kwafo said they were also responding to distress calls as well as keeping watch on critical infrastructure.

He said they had taken “more boats downstream and experienced divers and lifesavers to assist in the rescue efforts” and more resources would be made available depending on the situation.

The "controlled spillage" of the dams began about a month ago and is still ongoing, the Volta River Authority said.

It says the flooding has created a humanitarian challenge downstream in several communities in parts of the Volta, Eastern and Greater Accra regions.

At least 12,000 people are reported to have been displaced by the floods so far.

This article originally appeared on BBC News.

Image via Getty.