Boat Disaster: 6 rescued, several feared drowned in White Volta

Six people have been rescued, while several others are feared to have drowned after a boat carrying displaced residents capsized on the White Volta near Dinie Tuonbo in the Savannah Region.

The victims were reportedly trying to cross the river to seek safety when the overloaded vessel lost balance and overturned midstream.

The exact number of passengers on board remains unknown, but authorities believe the boat exceeded its safe carrying capacity.

Emergency response teams from the National Disaster Management Organisation (NADMO), supported by personnel from the security services, have been swiftly deployed to the area.

A full-scale search and rescue operation is currently underway to locate any remaining survivors and recover the bodies of those missing.

Preliminary reports suggest that the passengers were fleeing flood-hit areas in search of refuge.

The recent rise in water levels along the White Volta has displaced many communities, forcing residents to resort to dangerous river crossings, often without proper boats or life jackets.

In response to the tragedy, NADMO has urged the public, especially those living in flood-prone communities, to avoid crossing swollen rivers in unsafe or overloaded boats.

It emphasised the need for heightened vigilance and cooperation with local authorities during such high-risk periods.