Flags will fly at half-mast today to begin three days of national mourning for the over 200 lives lost to Wednesday June 3 flood and fire disaster.
The government is urging Ghanaians to wear black clothing and red arm bands during this period.
The 3 days of mourning will end on 10th June with a memorial service for the departed near the site of the fire disaster at the Kwame Nkrumah Circle to be attended by President John Mahama.
Communications Minister, Edward Omane Boamah asked the public to remember the victims and pray for their souls and pray for the strength and comfort for their families during the 3 days of mourning.
The Minister said government has taken responsibility for the hospital bills of all victims of the flood and fire as directed by the President at the Flagstaff House last Thursday.
Affected persons and communities have been receiving water, food and non-food items a day after the disaster as part of government’s effort to lessen the plight of the survivors.
The National Disaster Management Organization (NADMO) says more than 8,000 people displaced or affected by the floods are still in need of basic supplies such as water and food.
The Osu Clottey NADMO Coordinator, William Ayensu, told Joy News the organisation is overwhelmed by the huge numbers of persons still needing assistance and has appealed for assistance from benevolent organisations.
Many households around Kwame Nkrumah Avenue have been destroyed by the floods.
The heavy rains on the night of June 3rd left Accra in a crisis as dozens drowned in a sea of flood that washed away humans, properties, pulled down houses and left tunnels, drains choked with debris.
In the midst of the storm, tens of passengers, drivers, and petrol station attendants were also burnt to death in a horrifying fire incident at the Goil Filling Station close to the Kwame Nkrumah Circle in Accra.
Most of the deceased persons were seeking refuge at the filling station when an explosion occurred at the station.
– Myjoyonline.com
