The Southwest region of the country is in a state of fear as recurring floods continue to devastate communities. The recent heavy downpours have caused immense damage and loss of life, leaving residents frightened for their safety.
Nde Casony, a 59-year-old shop owner in Buea, recounts her fear of living in the area. “Each time it rains, I become so scared,” she says. The town has been hard-hit by floods in recent times, leading to the destruction of properties and loss of life. One such incident involved a student from Baptist High School in Buea who was swept away and killed by the rain.
In a recent downpour, strong winds caused significant damage, including the complete destruction of the roof of Government High School Bokwango. Videos circulating on social media show households in Bover and Bokwango struggling to disconnect water currents connected to their homes.
The Mayor of Buea, David Mafani Namange, states that measures have been taken to prevent rain-related catastrophes. “We have done some work to open up waterways,” he says. “Today, the mainstream from the mountain that came down was khoke.” However, he also adds that the rain on that day was characterized by strong winds and advises the population to work together and be cautious.
Residents have been forced to wade through several feet of water to reach their homes in the aftermath of the storms’ ferocity. Additional high winds and rain are predicted to continue in other parts of the South West Region, prompting a call for the population to remain vigilant and avoid playing during downpours.
The situation in the Southwest region of the country remains grim as the floods show no signs of letting up. The ongoing torrential rains have led to severe damage to roads, homes, and businesses. Many residents have been displaced from their homes and forced to seek shelter elsewhere.
The local government and other aid organizations are working tirelessly to provide relief and assistance to the affected communities. They are providing temporary shelters, food, and other necessities to those who have been displaced by the floods. However, the sheer scale of the damage has made it challenging to provide aid to all those in need.
The recurring floods in the region are a result of a combination of factors, including poor drainage systems, deforestation, and climate change. The local government and other stakeholders must work together to address these issues and develop long-term solutions to prevent similar disasters in the future.
Meanwhile, residents of the affected communities continue to live in fear as they brace themselves for more rain and potential flooding. The situation underscores the urgent need for investment in infrastructure, disaster preparedness, and climate change adaptation measures to protect vulnerable communities from the devastating effects of natural disasters.