At least 13 people have died in Ghana’s capital, Accra, after torrential rain resulted in severe flooding, according to the fire service which has been involved in rescue efforts.
The government has urged people to stay indoors or move to higher ground, as the meteorological agency warned further rain was expected with a big storm approaching from the east.
Much of the water from Sunday night’s downpours has begun to recede, but as the recovery operation continues, the Ghana National Fire Service (GNF) said the death toll could rise.
Low-lying areas were particularly impacted. Videos circulating on social media show homes and vehicles submerged, while many buildings have been destroyed.
Emergency response teams have been deployed to the flood-affected region, including from the police, fire service, the military and the National Disaster Management Organisation.
The interior ministry said they had been deployed to monitor the situation and to safeguard lives and property.
The GNFS said it had rescued more than 470 people so far.
The floods also triggered a major fire at a rubber factory in the city.