Chlorine Gas leak at Baifikrom Water Treatment Plant sparks Emergency Response

A chlorine Gas leakage at the Baifikrom Water Treatment Plant in the Central Region has prompted authorities to issue a public health alert.

Emergency teams, including the Ghana National Fire Service and NADMO, are on-site containing the leak.

Residents in Baifikrom, Mankessim, Enyanmaim, and surrounding areas are advised to:

– Move upwind or shelter-in-place with doors and windows sealed
– Avoid low-lying areas
– Seek medical help if experiencing symptoms like stinging eyes or difficulty breathing

Medical stations are set up at Mankessim Catholic Hospital and nearby health centers.

The public is asked to remain calm and clear the area for emergency responders.

Below is the full statement:

REGIONAL NADMO SECRETARIAT
════════════
*PUBLIC HEALTH ALERT: CHLORINE GAS LEAK AT BAIFIKROM WATER TREATMENT PLANT*
—————————————————

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

The Central Regional Disaster Management Committee, in coordination with the Ghana Water Company Limited (GWCL), the Ghana National Fire Service (GNFS), the Ghana Health Service, NADMO Central and the CRCC wishes to inform the general public of a chlorine gas leakage occurring at the Baifikrom Water Treatment Plant. Emergency response teams have managed to bring the situation under control but teams are currently on-site to contain the leak by way of neutralization. To ensure the safety of all residents, particularly those in Baifikrom, Mankessim, Enyanmaim, and neighboring communities, the following immediate safety measures must be adhered to:

1. EVACUATION AND MOVEMENT
*Move Upwind:* Chlorine gas is heavier than air and travels close to the ground. If you smell a sharp, bleach-like odor, move immediately to higher ground or in a direction where the wind is blowing toward the plant, not away from it.
*Shelter-in-Place:* If you cannot evacuate, stay indoors. Close all windows and doors. Seal gaps under doors and window frames with damp towels or cloths to trap gas particles.
*Avoid Low Areas:* Do not seek shelter in basements, valleys, or trenches, as the gas will settle in these areas.

2. HEALTH AND FIRST AID SYMPTOMS
Exposure to chlorine gas may cause stinging eyes, blurred vision, skin redness, coughing, or difficulty breathing. If exposed:
*Eyes:* Flush eyes immediately with large amounts of clean water for at least 15 minutes.
*Skin:* Remove contaminated clothing and wash skin thoroughly with soap and water.
*Respiratory:* If experiencing shortness of breath, move to an area with fresh air and remain calm to minimize oxygen consumption.

3. EMERGENCY MEDICAL ASSISTANCE

Medical stations have been sensitized at the Mankessim Catholic Hospital and nearby health centers. Residents experiencing persistent respiratory distress are urged to report to these facilities immediately. Any resident experiencing stinging eyes or coughing, is urged to flush eyes with water and seek immediate medical attention at the nearest health facility.

4. OFFICIAL ADVISORY
The public is advised to remain calm and avoid the immediate perimeter of the Baifikrom Plant to allow emergency vehicles unhindered access. NADMO officials and Volunteer Groups (DVGs) are on the grounds to assist with orderly movements. We will provide further updates as the technical team from GWCL completes the isolation of the affected canisters.

SIGNED