Fear has gripped residents of Adaklu-Helekpe in the Volta Region following a devastating mudslide from the Adaklu Mountain that buried homes and vehicles after heavy rainfall.

The incident, which sent large rocks and debris cascading down the 600-metre mountain, destroyed at least five houses and nine vehicles.

Two residents trapped under the rubble were rescued by community members before personnel from the Ghana National Fire Service arrived at the scene.

Authorities have since declared the affected area a restricted zone as assessments continue into the extent of the damage and the risks posed to nearby communities.

During a visit to the scene, the Member of Parliament for Adaklu, Kwame Governs Agbodza, and the Volta Regional Minister, James Gunu, expressed concern over the recurring environmental threats and called for urgent ecological restoration of the mountain.

Mr. Agbodza, while expressing relief that no lives were lost, warned that future incidents could be more deadly if preventive measures are not taken.

He attributed the mudslides partly to human activities such as deforestation, bush burning, and farming on vulnerable slopes, which he said may be weakening the mountain’s ecological stability.

He urged traditional leaders, residents, and environmental experts to collaborate on restoring the mountain’s ecosystem and adopting safer land-use practices, noting that the area had enough alternative land for farming away from risk-prone zones.

The Volta Regional Minister, James Gunu, disclosed that discussions had already begun with affected property owners to temporarily relocate valuables and consider safer accommodation arrangements.

He also confirmed that the area had been declared a restricted disaster zone to prevent further casualties.

Mr. Gunu cautioned residents, especially farmers accessing the mountain, to stay away from high-risk areas as the rainy season intensifies, warning of the likelihood of further heavy rainfall in the coming months.

Meanwhile, a medical officer at the Ho Teaching Hospital, Dr Enoch Agyari, confirmed that the injured victims are in stable condition and responding to treatment.

Authorities say further assessments are ongoing as efforts intensify to stabilise the area and prevent future disasters.