More than 3,000 people have been forced from their homes in Hohoe Municipality after the River Dayi overflowed its banks, flooding over 400 houses. The worst-hit areas include several communities along the river, with Zongo reported to be under water. More than half of that neighbourhood is submerged, leaving residents to flee as floodwaters spread through streets and homes.
The displaced have been moved to temporary shelters, including classrooms, as local authorities work to find safer accommodation. The scale of the flooding has stretched resources in the municipality, prompting urgent calls for help.
Speaking on Channel One TV on Monday, September 28, Thomas Worlanyo Tsekpo, the Member of Parliament for Hohoe, said the situation was overwhelming. “The MP and the MCE alone cannot, in fact, we are not able to. We are calling for support,” he said.
The Municipal Chief Executive (MCE) has also been involved in emergency efforts, but the flooding has put pressure on the local government’s ability to respond effectively. Mr Tsekpo praised the National Disaster Management Organisation (NADMO) and security agencies for evacuating residents and preventing loss of life.
“The situation remains fluid,” he said. Even after the heavy rain stopped, water levels continued to rise. That means ongoing emergency help is needed as authorities try to protect communities still at risk.
Residents in Zongo and other affected areas have lost access to their homes and face uncertainty while they wait for more permanent solutions. The flood has damaged infrastructure and disrupted daily life across the municipality.
Local officials are appealing to individuals, organisations, and government bodies for donations of food, clothing, and medical supplies, as well as support in rehousing displaced families.
The floods in Hohoe follow a pattern of seasonal heavy rains that often cause rivers in the Volta Region to swell beyond their capacity. But this year’s overflow of River Dayi has caused displacement on a scale that local authorities say they have not seen in recent memory.
Efforts to clear drainage systems and reinforce riverbanks have been discussed in the past but have faced challenges in implementation. Now, with thousands displaced and hundreds of homes damaged, there is pressure for more action to prevent similar disasters.
As the floodwaters recede, the focus will shift to recovery and rebuilding. For now, the priority remains helping those who have lost their homes and stabilising the situation before further harm occurs.
According to Joy Online.
