Joshua Asamoah, a senior meteorologist at the Ghana Meteorological Agency (GMet), has issued a warning about an upcoming increase in winds, thunderstorms, and lightning leading up to the start of the main rainy season.

He advised the public to seek shelter in safe places during this period to protect themselves from these weather conditions. This warning comes as part of a broader effort by GMet to enhance awareness and preparedness for environmental hazards, particularly in the Volta basins.

“As we are gearing towards the main rainy season, there will be light rains even when the clouds form to pour, however, there will be more winds, thunders, and lightning preceding the rains. So, we urged members of the public to find a safe shelter to stay in whenever it begins to rain this time to protect themselves from the winds, thunders, and lightning.”
Mr. Joshua Asamoah

Mr. Asamoah made the statement at a stakeholder and media training workshop on a VOLTALARM Early Warning System.

The VOLTALARM Early Warning System, developed by GMet and its partners, is designed to provide timely warnings about floods and droughts to residents within the Volta basins.

This system is an integral part of the Volta Flood and Drought Management (VFDM) project, which is a collaborative effort among Ghana and its neighboring countries bordering the Volta River, aimed at mitigating flood and drought risks along the lake.

He indicated that the VOLTALARM will be integrated with local alert systems, including radio, television, and mobile phone networks. This will ensure that warnings are disseminated quickly and widely, reaching a broad audience in the affected areas. The system will provide detailed information about the expected impact, including the severity of the flood or drought, the areas most at risk, and recommended actions to take.

He further stated that the VOLTALARM will support capacity building and training for local authorities and community members. This includes training on how to use the early warning system, how to interpret the information provided, and how to respond effectively to floods and droughts. This ensures that the community is well-equipped to take action when warnings are issued.

Mr. Asamoah noted that the system would help persons and communities along the Volta basins prepare against floods and droughts, especially during the opening of the Bugre Dam in Burkina Faso.

He said they sought to build the capacity and collaboration among stakeholders and the media to sensitize persons and communities along the basins.

Mr. Asamoah emphasized that this would be done by creating a platform to host their stakeholders – the media and community members along the basin to give them weekly updates on floods and droughts.

He added that they were also developing a Multi-Hazard Warning System for places out of the Volta basin to enable them to also get updates.

“If you hear thunder, immediately move to a safe shelter. This could be a substantial building with electricity or plumbing, or an enclosed, metal-topped vehicle with windows up. Stay in a safe shelter for at least 30 minutes after you hear the last sound of thunder.”
Mr. Joshua Asamoah

Additionally, he advised the public to pay attention to weather alerts and local information. “Postpone outdoor activities if the forecast calls for thunderstorms. When you hear thunder, seek shelter inside a sturdy building and move to a basement or an interior room on the lowest floor. Stay away from glass windows and doors, he noted.

He urged the public to avoid using devices connected to electrical outlets, as lightning can travel through plumbing and water lines. Unplug appliances, air conditioners, and other electrical items like computers to avoid damage from a power surge.

Asamoah urged the public to stay tuned to weather forecasts and updates from GMet to plan their activities and outings accordingly in the wake of climate change and its adverse effects.