Adaklu-Helekpe, Volta Region – The Minister for Roads and Highways and Member of Parliament for Adaklu, Kwame Governs Agbodza, visited victims of a severe mudslide in Adaklu-Helekpe on Thursday, issuing a stark warning about the heightened risk of further disasters around Adaklu Mountain. The incident, which occurred Wednesday evening after heavy rainfall, saw rocks, mud, and debris cascade down the mountain, destroying homes and causing panic.
Context of the Disaster
The mudslide struck the community shortly after 6 p.m. following an intense downpour. Huge volumes of earth and rocks broke loose from the slopes of Adaklu Mountain, a prominent feature nearly 600 meters high, engulfing parts of the Adaklu-Helekpe settlement. The suddenness and force of the event led to immediate widespread destruction and fear among residents.
Immediate Aftermath and Rescue Efforts
The disaster resulted in the burial of at least five houses and nine vehicles. Tragically, close to 50 goats and other livestock were also killed. Two individuals who were trapped beneath the rubble were heroically rescued by alert local residents before emergency services could arrive on the scene. A delegation, including the Volta Regional Minister, James Gunu, and the District Chief Executive for the area, Jerry Yao Ameko, accompanied Minister Agbodza to assess the damage and offer support.
Minister’s Assessment and Concerns
Minister Agbodza expressed profound gratitude that no lives were lost in the catastrophe, attributing this to the fact that the incident occurred at night. He noted that the scale of destruction could have been significantly worse had it happened during daylight hours when many residents are typically engaged in farming and other activities on or around the mountain. This marks the second major incident involving Adaklu Mountain in recent years, raising serious concerns about its stability.
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