Cameroon floods drive thousands away and ruin infrastructure
In recent weeks, heavy incessant rains have been hitting Mayo Danay in the Far North region of Cameroon, with the town of Yagoua being the most affected by the unprecedented rains.
The damage is extensive: reports indicate at least ten deaths, entire neighborhoods submerged, 185 primary schools and 13 high schools flooded, and the loss of more than 1,100 head of livestock.
Residents struggle to survive amid the disaster, with many unable to meet basic needs such as food and shelter.
The humanitarian toll is alarming. Over 200,000 people have been affected, and 8,000 homes have been destroyed. Those displaced by the disaster have been relocated to temporary camps outside the city. However, victims are urgently calling for more help as they have lost everything.
The torrential rains also destroyed a vital bridge linking Maga to Yagoua, further isolating some neighborhoods.
In response, Cameroon’s Minister of Urban Planning, Célestine Ketcha Courtes, went to the scene to assess the damage and define the measures to be taken immediately.
“We have found that the bridge is destroyed,” the minister said. “We are committed to mobilizing companies next Monday to put in place a temporary solution that will reconnect Maga to the rest of the department, allowing the population to move around more easily.”
The government has announced 350 million CFA francs in aid for the victims, but many residents believe this sum is insufficient given the scale of the crisis. For now, pirogues remain the only viable means of transport, and there are fears that the region could be completely cut off if urgent measures are not taken.
