Heavy flooding has killed 13 people in Ghana's capital, Accra, with officials warning residents to brace for another severe storm expected to hit the coastal city.

The fatalities follow torrential overnight rains that inundated large swathes of the metropolis, prompting urgent calls for residents in low-lying areas to evacuate or seek shelter on higher ground.

The downpour, which began late on Monday and continued into Tuesday morning, overwhelmed Accra's drainage systems. Major roads transformed into raging rivers, sweeping away vehicles and cutting off critical transport links.

Rescue teams navigated submerged streets, using makeshift rafts and boats to reach stranded residents clinging to rooftops and other elevated structures. Local emergency services worked to assist those trapped by the rapidly rising waters across multiple districts.

Ghana's National Disaster Management Organisation (NADMO) issued a strong advisory, urging people to relocate to higher ground or stay indoors as forecasters predict further heavy rainfall in the coming days. The new storm forecast raises fears of additional casualties and widespread damage.

Accra, a sprawling metropolis of more than 2.5 million people, is particularly vulnerable to seasonal flooding due to its rapid urbanisation, inadequate infrastructure, and proximity to the Atlantic Ocean. The city's growth has often outpaced the development of robust drainage systems, leaving many communities exposed during intense rainy seasons.

Informal settlements, often constructed in flood plains or on waterways, face heightened risks, with their residents frequently bearing the brunt of such disasters. Homes in these areas are often rudimentary and offer little protection against powerful floodwaters.

The recurring nature of these floods poses significant long-term challenges for the city and its inhabitants. Beyond the immediate human toll, the economic impact is substantial, with businesses disrupted, property damaged, and essential services like electricity and water supply often cut.

Authorities have frequently struggled with effective urban planning and enforcement of building regulations in an effort to mitigate flood risks. Efforts to dredge clogged gutters and improve stormwater management systems are often hampered by the sheer scale of the problem and continuous waste disposal issues.

Climate scientists suggest that West Africa is experiencing an increase in the intensity and frequency of extreme weather events, including heavy rainfall. This trend exacerbates existing vulnerabilities and places greater pressure on cities like Accra to adapt their infrastructure and emergency response mechanisms.

The latest tragedy underscores the urgent need for comprehensive flood mitigation strategies, including early warning systems, improved urban planning, and community-level resilience building. Officials continue to monitor weather patterns closely as the city braces for the anticipated additional rainfall this week.