UN Ghana commiserates with flood victims

The United Nations system in Ghana on Friday commiserated with Ghanaians over this week's fire and flood tragedy.

The UN in Ghana said it is saddened by the loss of more than 100 lives, homes, properties and livelihoods as a result of the floods in Accra and other parts of the country, and the explosion at the fuel station at Kwame Nkrumah Circle last Wednesday.

In a release issued in Accra, the Resident Coordinator Christine Evans-Klock extended condolences to the flood victims and bereaved families and friends.

The UN mission said it will work with partners to support the efforts of the National Disaster Management Organization (NADMO) toward early recovery.

The UN Ghana will also mobilize technical assistance to support national efforts in response to President John Dramani Mahama's call for measures to mitigate the effects of future flooding in the country.

"The UN continues to monitor the situation closely and will assess needs that may arise for relevant support," the release noted.

At least 200 people have been killed following the explosion at the fuel station after several hours of a heavy downpour which also flooded the capital Wednesday evening.

Many victims were taking shelter at the station from days of heavy downpours that have triggered widespread flooding and paralyzed public transport in the city.

Emergency response personnel are still working at the scene to retrieve any bodies buried under the debris of the station.

President Mahama announced on Thursday a three-day national mourning for the victims beginning next Monday.

The government has also released a total amount of 50 million cedis (some 12 million U.S. dollars) as relief and repair fund following the calamity in Accra. Endite