Fire rages at Odawna near Circle as floodwaters delay emergency response

A fire outbreak at Odawna, opposite the Adabraka Market in Accra, has destroyed structures after raging for nearly an hour in an area already overwhelmed by severe flooding, with firefighters yet to arrive at the scene.

The blaze broke out on the morning of Monday, June 29, as torrential rains continued to batter the capital, leaving homes and surrounding areas submerged. The cause of the fire is not yet known.

Speaking to the media, the Assembly Member for the area, Hendrick Noble Kinnkah, said the fire spread rapidly through the flooded community, while access to the scene was severely hampered by rising water levels. Residents were left helpless as flames engulfed buildings without immediate firefighting intervention.

“Access to the area is a problem because the place is filled with water. However, they have been able to reach the area, and we are hoping that they will quench the fire. A lot of people are stuck in the water,” he said.

The delayed emergency response has heightened fears among residents, many of whom have been forced to flee as both fire and floodwaters continue to threaten lives and property.

The incident comes amid widespread flooding across Accra following heavy rains that began late Sunday, June 28, and persisted into Monday morning, June 29. The downpour submerged several roads, disrupted traffic and stranded commuters during the morning rush hour.

Floodwaters inundated low-lying communities and major roads, forcing some motorists to abandon their routes while others navigated through submerged sections under difficult conditions.

Areas affected by the flooding include portions of the N1 Highway, Apenkwa towards Tesano, the Accra–Kasoa Highway, Weija, Mallam, Achimota, Spintex, Atomic Junction in Madina, Kaneshie, Darkuman Junction, sections of the Kwame Nkrumah Interchange and several surrounding communities.

As the rains continue, residents are calling for an urgent emergency response, warning that the combination of flooding and the uncontrolled fire could worsen the destruction if swift intervention is not undertaken.