Tragic Floods Ravage Cameroon's Capital, Leaving 27 Lives Lost and Scores Injured

Cameroon's capital city, Yaoundé, grappled with a devastating catastrophe as relentless downpours triggered fatal floods. At least 27 lives were tragically lost, with more than 50 individuals suffering injuries. The Yaounde 2 district bore the brunt of this natural disaster, enduring torrential rains that unleashed a relentless deluge, causing widespread havoc.

Source: https://www.theguardian.com/ 

Cameroon's capital city, Yaoundé, grappled with a devastating catastrophe as relentless downpours triggered fatal floods. At least 27 lives were tragically lost, with more than 50 individuals suffering injuries. The Yaounde 2 district bore the brunt of this natural disaster, enduring torrential rains that unleashed a relentless deluge, causing widespread havoc.

Rescue operations are in full swing as dedicated responders tirelessly comb through the debris and mud in search of those potentially still missing in the aftermath of the calamity. Daouda Ousmanou, the top government official in the affected district, is overseeing these efforts, which are fraught with challenges.

Cameroon's Territorial Administration Minister, Paul Atanga Ngi, made a somber visit to the disaster site. He confirmed the heart-wrenching death toll and conveyed President Paul Biya's heartfelt condolences to the grieving families. Minister Ngi also assured that all the injured victims would receive free medical care, providing a glimmer of hope amidst the devastation.

Also Read: RRR Director SS Rajamouli's 50th Birthday: A Journey Of Cinematic Triumph

Cameroon has been grappling with recurrent flooding woes in recent years, largely attributed to the looming specter of climate change. These issues have been further exacerbated by substandard construction practices that often flout regulations. In this tragic instance, the situation took a dire turn when a dike surrounding a manmade lake collapsed, resulting in the destruction of numerous structures.

The Mbankolo neighborhood of Yaoundé bore the brunt of the catastrophe, with approximately 30 houses being swept away and several buildings collapsing, trapping residents within. Heartbreakingly, some individuals were carried away by the floodwaters and lost their lives.

 Ernest Zebaze, a 24-year-old university student, shared his agonizing experience of identifying the lifeless bodies of his mother and two siblings. As he continues to search for his missing father, the anguish lingers. The victims' bodies have been placed in a morgue, while the injured have been promptly rushed to hospitals. The Yaounde General Hospital, in particular, received 12 individuals, including a 7-year-old girl, for urgent medical attention.

In an effort to mitigate the risks of future floods and landslides, authorities in Cameroon have been taking decisive steps, including the demolition of structures situated in high-risk areas. Tragically, some of the very buildings marked for demolition were among those that collapsed during this heart-wrenching incident.