The Volta Regional Minister, James Gunu, has declared Adaklu Mountain a security zone following a significant mudslide that devastated the community of Adaklu Helekpe on Wednesday. The declaration aims to prevent further risk to life and property after torrential rains caused the disaster.
Assessing the Damage and Declaring a Security Zone
Minister Gunu, accompanied by a delegation including the Minister for Roads and Highways, Governs Kwame Agbodza, and officials from the National Disaster Management Organisation (NADMO), visited the affected area. The purpose of the visit was to assess the extent of the damage caused by the mudslide, which occurred after more than five hours of heavy rainfall.
“We cannot guarantee the safety of anybody going there, so the mountain has been declared a security zone,” Minister Gunu stated. He emphasized the immediate need to cordon off the area to prevent public access.
Impact of the Mudslide
The mudslide wreaked havoc on Adaklu Helekpe, a community situated at the foot of Adaklu Mountain. Properties worth significant value were destroyed, including vehicles, agricultural machinery, buildings, and personal belongings. The sheer force of the mudslide carved a deep gorge from the mountain’s summit to its base, with water currently gushing through it.
While no lives were lost, a woman and her three-year-old son sustained injuries and were admitted to the Ho Teaching Hospital for treatment. Reverend Jacob Reddekopp, a white missionary who was severely affected, expressed gratitude that no lives were lost during the incident.
Contributing Factors and Future Studies
Minister Gunu has instructed NADMO officials to secure the site and has advised residents to stay clear of the mountain for the time being. He also called for thorough feasibility studies to be conducted by the Geological Survey Department and NADMO officials to determine the exact cause of the mudslide.
Minister for Roads and Highways, Governs Kwame Agbodza, suggested that while natural disasters are a factor, the destruction of the mountain’s vegetative cover could also have contributed to the mudslide’s severity. This highlights a potential interplay between natural phenomena and human impact on the environment.
Looking Ahead
The declaration of Adaklu Mountain as a security zone underscores the immediate dangers posed by the unstable terrain. The upcoming studies by the Geological Survey Department and NADMO will be crucial in understanding the long-term risks associated with the area. Residents and authorities will be closely watching these findings to inform decisions on rebuilding, land use, and disaster preparedness in the Adaklu region. The incident also serves as a stark reminder of the vulnerability of communities living in proximity to natural landscapes, especially in the face of changing weather patterns and potential environmental degradation.
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