Residents of Baifikrom, Mankessim, Enyanmaim and surrounding communities in the Central Region have been urged to take immediate safety precautions following a chlorine gas leak at the Baifikrom Water Treatment Plant.

Chlorine gas, a toxic greenish-yellow chemical widely used for water purification and disinfection, has a strong, sharp smell similar to bleach and poses significant health risks when inhaled.

A statement signed by the Central Regional Director of the National Disaster Management Organisation (NADMO), Emmanuel Kwesi Dawood Mensah, said the Central Regional Disaster Management Committee, in collaboration with the Ghana Water Company Limited (GWCL), the Ghana National Fire Service (GNFS), the Ghana Health Service and NADMO, had brought the situation under control.

It said emergency teams, however, remained on site to fully contain and neutralise the gas.

Mr Mensah warned that the leak posed potential health risks and urged residents to strictly adhere to safety directives.

Safety measures

The statement advised residents who perceive a sharp, bleach-like smell to immediately move upwind or to higher ground, stressing that chlorine gas is heavier than air and tends to settle in low-lying areas.

Those unable to evacuate were asked to remain indoors, shut all doors and windows, and seal openings with damp cloths to minimise exposure.

Residents were also cautioned against seeking shelter in basements, valleys or trenches where the gas could accumulate.

Health concerns

According to the advisory, exposure to chlorine gas could cause stinging eyes, blurred vision, coughing, skin irritation and difficulty in breathing.

Affected persons were advised to flush their eyes with clean water for at least 15 minutes, wash exposed skin thoroughly with soap and water, and move to areas with fresh air if experiencing breathing difficulties.

Medical response

Mr Mensah said health facilities, including the Mankessim Catholic Hospital and nearby centres, had been placed on alert to handle potential cases.

Residents with persistent symptoms, particularly respiratory distress, have been urged to seek immediate medical attention.

Call for calm

He appealed to the public to remain calm and avoid the immediate vicinity of the treatment plant to allow emergency teams to work effectively, saying NADMO officials and Disaster Volunteer Groups had been deployed to assist residents and ensure orderly movement within affected areas.

The statement assured the public that further updates would be provided as technical teams complete efforts to isolate the affected chlorine canisters.