Torrential rains have caused widespread flooding and landslides in parts of Cameroon's South West Region, leaving at least three people dead in Limbe while the Cameroon Army Rescue Unit rescued several others trapped by floodwaters in Kumba.
The heavy downpour, which lasted for several hours on Wednesday, August 5, submerged homes, roads and businesses, disrupting movement and forcing many families to flee to safer areas. Videos circulating on social media showed flooded streets, stranded vehicles and the population struggling through fast-moving water.
According to a communiqué issued by the Mayor of the Limbe City Council, Dr. Paul Efome L.M. Ngale, the floods and landslides claimed the lives of three members of the same family after a building collapsed in Mbende Quarter (Mokeke Farms).
The victims were identified as:
* Epulie Melanie, 26;
* Meh Blessing Duh 25, who was pregnant; and
* Fanny Duh, 14.
The communiqué added that a fourth family member, Meh James Duh, was rescued by emergency responders and rushed to hospital, where he is reported to be in stable condition and out of danger.
The Mayor expressed his condolences to the bereaved family and praised the population, firefighters and emergency rescue teams for their solidarity and swift response during the disaster.
In Kumba, disaster was averted after the Army Rescue Unit intervened to save several persons trapped by rising floodwaters. Rescue personnel evacuated stranded victims, including children and elderly people, from inundated neighbourhoods as floodwaters continued to rise.
Witnesses commended the professionalism and timely intervention of the rescue teams, saying their actions prevented further loss of life.
Beyond the human casualties, the floods caused extensive damage to homes, businesses and public infrastructure. Several roads became impassable as overflowing water and streams swept through residential areas.
In his statement, the Limbe City Mayor urged the people to avoid settling in high-risk areas, including hillsides, riverbanks and flood-prone zones. He also encouraged the public to regularly monitor weather forecasts to better prepare for extreme weather events.
Dr. Ngale further assured them that the Limbe City Council would continue working to reduce the impact of floods and landslides within the municipality while seeking greater support from the government to implement lasting solutions.
Emergency services remain on high alert as heavy rains are expected to continue in several parts of the country in the month of August.
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