In a devastating incident, at least 23 people have lost their lives in landslides triggered by heavy rains in Cameroon’s capital, Yaoundé, according to emergency services. A local radio station, however, has reported a higher death toll, putting it at 40, and noted that many individuals are still missing, making this a catastrophic event for the city.
Rescue operations have been severely hindered by the flooding, forcing local residents to bravely extract bodies from the debris with their bare hands. The calamity was set in motion when heavy rainfall caused the Mefou River to overflow, submerging several neighbourhoods. The impoverished area of Mbankolo bore the brunt of the disaster, with homes built on slopes collapsing, and banana trees being uprooted. Heart-wrenching scenes unfolded as the bodies of children lay scattered on the wet ground, as reported by eyewitnesses.
As of now, 12 bodies have been identified and transported to the morgue, as per information provided by the private Actu Cameroun website. Approximately 25 houses were swept away by the raging floods, raising concerns that many families might still be trapped beneath the debris.
This devastating event comes almost a year after another landslide claimed the lives of at least 14 people in the same city, highlighting the recurring vulnerability of certain areas to natural disasters.
Adding to the crisis, authorities in neighbouring Nigeria issued warnings to residents in nine states about potential floods. This precautionary measure was prompted by Cameroon’s decision to release water from its Lagdo Dam due to heavy rains in the country’s north. The release, expected to continue until the end of October, aims to manage water levels in the dam. While Cameroon officials assured that the water release would be minimised, last year’s similar action caused flooding and fatalities in Nigeria, particularly in Benue state, which shares a border with Cameroon.
As the affected communities grapple with this tragedy, urgent measures are required to provide aid, ensure the safety of those still missing, and prevent further loss of life. The government and international organisations are anticipated to collaborate closely to manage the aftermath and assist the affected populace during this challenging time.
Kiki Garba
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