Ghana Red Cross Society wishes to extend its caring thoughts and sympathy with the Apiati Community near Bogoso in the Western Region, following the explosion which occurred on the 20th of 2020.
The unfortunate incident which saw the entire community devastated, lives being lost, hundreds of buildings destroyed, human trapped under debris is something beyond human comprehension.
A vehicle carrying explosives used in mining collided with a motorcycle and blew up in a town in western region, Ghana, leaving at least 17 people dead and injuring dozens
The explosion occurred when a motorcycle went under a truck carrying explosives that was on route to the Chirano gold mine, run by Canada-based Kinross. A Kinross spokesperson confirmed the incident, saying it occurred 140km (87 miles) from the mine site.
There were many unknown numbers of displaced people from their homes and took shelter in School, mosque, churches at Bogoso. The explosion blown off major road roads in the area, with many commuters getting stranded due to the situation. These also indicated immediate need for Water, food and NFIs including temporary shelter, beddings (blankets, mattresses & mats).
- Disaster Impact
The observational assessment conducted jointly with Ghana Police Service, National Disaster Management Organization, Ghana National Fire Service and National Ambulance Services reveal the following as tabulated below. No. Of Houses Destroyed is Over 500, No. of Displaced and Camped is 300, Affected People is Over 3300, Number of People Dead is 17, Number of People Injured is 59.
- Request for Assistance
The Ghana Government through the Municipal Chief Executive of Prestea Huni Valley has issued an urgent statement in need of assistance such as temporal shelter and food items, medical needs as the Assembly have set a Relief Center to care for the displaced people. The Disaster Management Department request for support to dispatch 40 pieces of family tents, emergency response team to cover the rapid response activities.
- Actions taken by National Society
Ghana Red Cross Society (GRCS) immediately activated its District Disaster Response Teams (DDRTs) from nearby district deployed 25 team members in Tarkwa and Prestea with the Regional team led by Dr Edward Donkoh (National Health Advisor) to provide psychosocial support service. The emergency team also joined the rescue and evacuation team to assist to the displaced and trapped victims. The Emergency Response team also provided first aid to injured victims on the main road and the community when the explosion occurred.
The Disaster Management Department at the National Headquarters has initiated a process and have dispatched 40 pieces of family tents to cover 300 displaced people camped at relief center at Bogoso town created by Prestea Huni Valley Municipal Assembly.
The Western branch of Ghana Red Cross Society has issued a solidarity message to the affected people of Apiati and its surrounding communities through the media.
