Black Volta floods displace over 500 residents in Buipe

Floodwaters from the overflowing Black Volta River have displaced more than 500 residents in Buipe in the Savannah Region, following the spillage of the Bui Dam.

The flooding has inundated large parts of the township, cutting off communities, disrupting economic activities and forcing the temporary closure of some schools.

Areas including Buipe Zongo and the Ali Complex have been isolated from the rest of the town for nearly two weeks, with residents relying on canoes to travel between flooded communities.

The floodwaters have also submerged the Buipe Bridge area and the livestock market, bringing commercial activities to a standstill.

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Addressing journalists in Buipe, the Paramount Chief of the Buipe Traditional Area, Buipewura Abdulai Jinapor II, appealed to the government and the Bui Power Authority to intervene urgently.

He described the Buipe Bridge area as the economic hub of the town, noting that businesses had been forced to evacuate because of the flooding.

Although no deaths had been recorded, he said immediate action was needed to prevent further destruction and protect lives and property.

The Central Gonja District Director of the National Disaster Management Organisation (NADMO), Sumaila Tahiru, said situational reports indicated that more than 500 people had already been displaced, with the number expected to rise as water levels continued to increase.

He said NADMO had anticipated the flooding and was collaborating with stakeholders to relocate affected residents and schools to safer locations.

Mohammed Mubarik, Headmaster of Buipe Bridge Bright Beginning Academy, said floodwaters had almost submerged the school’s premises, forcing management to relocate to an uncompleted building, which was later also affected.

He said the school had resorted to renting temporary facilities to continue academic activities, placing a significant financial burden on the institution.

Residents have also reported heavy losses.

Amina Sulley, a baker whose home was flooded, said she had been unable to continue her business because she was focused on relocating to safety.

She added that she had lost several valuable belongings as floodwaters continued to rise.

Another resident, Mumin Abdulai, said 10 members of his household had been displaced, describing the flooding as a major source of financial hardship while also raising concerns over sanitation and public health.

Meanwhile, the Central Gonja District Chief Executive, Iddrisu Salia Kamara, presented life jackets on behalf of the District Assembly to enhance the safety of residents who now depend on boats to travel to school and work.

He noted that flooding of the Black Volta River occurred periodically, approximately every 10 years, and stressed that substantial investment would be required to address the recurring problem permanently.