Mr Wise Ametefe, Deputy Director of Hydrological Service Department, has advised residents of Agbogbloshie in Accra, to desist from dumping garbage into drains and gutters, especially during the rainy season to avoid flooding.

He said, “We should stop throwing materials and hard objects into gutters, since the total effects are devastating.”

Mr Ametefe gave the advice at an Educational Campaign on Disaster Risk Reduction 2012, at Agbogbloshie market on the topic: "Floods, Effects and Preventive Measures."

It was organised by Standard Chartered Bank in collaboration with National Disaster Management Organisation (NADMO).

He advised the people not to avoid contact with flood water; because it might be contaminated with sewage, oil, chemicals or other dangerous substances.

Mr Ametefe said: “It is dangerous to swim in fast flowing water because you may be swept away or struck by an object in the water and you can also swallow some of the contaminated water”.

He explained that no amount of sympathy and relief could make up for the pain, grief and loss suffered from flood disaster.

Mr Ametefe said, education about floods and knowledge about signals by Meteorological Agency, especially during rainy season, would minimise the situation.

He encouraged the residents to be responsible by de-silting and cleaning gutters and drains in the area.

Mr Yaw Kiatchery, Senior Officer, Urban Search Rescue Team of NADMO, said “When children are with you, you don’t allow them to cross but carry them at your back and tie them firmly before crossing to the other side”.

Mr Ankhur Kapoor, Head of Cooperate Real Estate, Standard Chartered Bank, said the programme was part of the bank’s social responsibility to educate people on flooding, and simple self hygienic practices.**