NADMO Issues 14-Day Evacuation Order for Dilapidated Buildings in Central Region Amid Rising Rain Risks

The Central Regional Directorate of the National Disaster Management Organisation (NADMO) has issued a final 14-day ultimatum to occupants and owners of structurally compromised buildings to evacuate. This directive comes in response to the heightening risks of building collapses as the rainy season intensifies across the region. NADMO warned that the order is a critical measure aimed at safeguarding lives and preventing further tragedies following recent structural failures in the area, including a deadly collapse in Cape Coast. The directive requires all residents and businesses within identified unsafe structures to vacate the premises before the deadline to avoid potential fatalities and property loss.

According to the official directive, all business activities and residential occupancy in structures identified as unsafe must cease immediately. NADMO has emphasized that any building remaining occupied after the two-week deadline will face enforced demolition. Crucially, the costs associated with such demolitions will be borne by the property owners themselves. This initiative is being carried out as a collaborative effort involving local government authorities and security agencies to ensure strict compliance with safety standards and regional building regulations. The agency noted that these measures are necessary to prevent the repeat of recent disasters where structural integrity was compromised by heavy downpours.

The urgency of this evacuation order is underscored by the imminent dangers posed by the approaching peak of the rainy season. The regional directorate noted that persistent rains have further weakened the foundations and walls of many older or poorly maintained structures, rendering them hazardous to the public. By proactively identifying and marking these hazards, NADMO seeks to mitigate the impact of disaster before more lives are lost. The organisation stressed that public safety is the primary driver behind these enforcement actions, as structural failures often occur without warning during heavy storms.

Beyond the evacuation mandate, NADMO is calling on the general public to play an active role in community safety. Residents are encouraged to report visible signs of structural distress—such as large cracks, leaning walls, or crumbling foundations—to local authorities for immediate technical assessment and intervention. This move is part of a broader strategy to foster a culture of disaster prevention and structural integrity within the Central Region. As the deadline approaches, NADMO remains committed to monitoring the situation and ensuring that all hazardous buildings are either fortified or removed to protect the citizenry.