A powerful mudslide triggered by torrential rainfall has caused widespread destruction and panic in Adaklu-Helekpe, prompting high-ranking government officials to call for immediate environmental intervention and temporary evacuations.

The disaster occurred shortly after 6 PM on Wednesday, when heavy downpours caused massive rocks, mud, and debris to break away from the nearly 600-meter Adaklu Mountain, crashing down into parts of the low-lying community.

The impact resulted in the burial of at least five houses and nine vehicles, and claimed the lives of nearly 50 goats and other livestock.

Two residents who were trapped beneath the rubble were successfully rescued alive by local citizens before emergency services arrived on the scene.

On Thursday, a government delegation arrived in the community to assess the damage, visit injured victims undergoing treatment at the hospital, and meet with displaced residents who are currently taking shelter with relatives and sympathisers.

The delegation included Kwame Governs Agbodza, the Minister for Roads and Highways and Member of Parliament for Adaklu; James Gunu, the Volta Regional Minister; and Jerry Yao Ameko, the District Chief Executive for the area.

Speaking during the assessment tour, Mr Agbodza expressed relief that the disaster resulted in no loss of life and that the recorded injuries were non-critical.

He noted that because the mudslide occurred at night, the community avoided a far worse catastrophe, as many residents are typically farming and working on the slopes of the mountain during the day.

However, the MP issued a stark warning, noting that this is the second major disaster linked to the mountain in recent years, following a similar rockfall incident in 2017.

Acknowledging that he does not want to return for a third disaster, Mr Agbodza emphasised that the event serves as a serious warning.

He attributed the ongoing instability of the area to continuous environmental degradation and indiscriminate tree cutting, and called for urgent community-wide discussions to restrict farming activities around the mountain.

He urged a shift toward restoring the local ecology and exploring alternative economic avenues, such as tourism, to protect lives while supporting local livelihoods.

Volta Regional Minister James Gunu officially declared the affected site an active disaster and security zone, warning the public that safety cannot be guaranteed for anyone entering the area.

With heavier rains projected for the coming months, Mr. Gunu cautioned that the risk of secondary mudslides remains exceptionally high without immediate structural interventions.

In response to the imminent danger, local authorities have directed all residents living in close proximity to the mountain to temporarily evacuate their homes.

The evacuation order will remain in place while geological engineers conduct a comprehensive assessment of the mountain's structural stability.