Over 27 people have tragically lost their lives in Cameroon’s Capital, Yaoundé, due to heavy rainfall on the night of Sunday, October 8.
According to Petatoa Douafong, Deputy Commander from the National Fire Brigade heading the search, 23 bodies have been recovered. As at the time of writing, four other bodies were retrieved putting the number at 27, according to official sources.
The intensity of the rainfall caused a small dam in the Mbankolo neighbourhood to rupture. This resulted in a devastating landslide that brought down over 25 houses and also caused other significant material damages.
Damage left behind by Mbankolo flood and mudslide
As of Monday, October 9, 2023, rescue operations were still underway. Rescue personnel are still actively working to recover possible bodies that are still to be discovered. According to the local chief, the dam that ruptured was constructed by the Germans several decades ago. He said the dam had exhibited signs of instability. While official sources have confirmed the discovery of at least 23 bodies from the disaster site, plus four others shortly after giving previous figures, there are indications that the death toll may rise.
On Monday, October 9, Cameroon’s Minister of Territorial Administration, Paul Atanga Nji, as well as Ketcha Courtes of Housing and Urban Development visited the disaster site.
By Etienne Mainimo Mengnjo
