Agavedzi
A storm tide with high waves hit the small fishermen community of Agavedzi in early 2025. The sea demolished a number of buildings on the unprotected stretches of the coast, and locals lost their livelihoods. The interview with a fisherman stresses the destructiveness of the tidal waves for the people‘s buildings and bearings.
What happened? Course of the events
An eye-witness reports how the tidal waves hit Agavedzi beach and his home with a vigour that he had not seen before in his 62-year life
Dialogue with Rudith King
– “When it happened, how many people were affected like you?”
– “About hundreds of people.”
– “So where have they gone now?”
– “They go and sleep with their sisters or brothers outside the road.”
After the flood: Impacts and affectedness
The aftermath of the catastrophic tide began with an inspection of the damages and a counting of losses. Homes were destroyed and partly washed into the sea, and livelihoods were severely affected. Fishing became difficult because the sharp edges of the ruins cut into the fisherman‘s net every time he lands a haul. Everyday life was no longer the same, it left deep traces in the built as well as in the individual‘s structures. He waited long for help, which has in the meantime arived.
How to Deal? - Coping and adaptation strategies
The disaster cannot be undone, so what to learn from it? Help arrived late. The delay should be considered for future action plans and coping strategies. There is a need for improved catastrophe management and better measures for flood protection. The fisherman hopes to reclaim his home once the repairs of the sea protection have been finished.
Dialogue with Rudith King
-“Some church members came.”
-“Church members?”
-“And also the regional minister came. The president also came.”
-“The President of Ghana?”
-“Yes.”
Dialogue with Bruno
“My future? If the sea defense someday is done and
we reclaim our lands, then we can stay here.”