Climate Crisis: Over a dozen die, thousands displaced in extreme north flooding
Circulation has been greatly hampered as the population of Mayo-Danay and Logone and Chari Divisions, Far North Region, grapple with the devastating effects of floods.
Not only have farmland and infrastructure been destroyed, but essential services and education have been disrupted, as school campuses are inundated. About two thousand people are estimated to have been rendered homeless as a result of the disaster that started in August 2024.
According to the United Nations Population Fund, UNPF, the severe floods have so far affected 158,620 people including 38,069 women of reproductive age and 4,133 pregnant women.
“The response efforts are focusing on food security, shelter, nonfood items, health (including SRH), and water, hygiene and sanitation.” A flash update by UNFP on the floods indicates.
In addition to these devastating effects, the Yagoua city centre bridge connecting most parts of Mayo Danay Division has been cut off by the floods making it quite difficult for children to go to school.
In response to the floods, individuals and government officials including Far North Governor, Midjiyawa Bakary have been seeking solutions to provide humanitarian relief to affected persons. Cameroon’s Prime Minister Joseph Dion Ngute has also expressed the government’s firm commitment to stand by the victims in surmounting health risks and food insecurity that may arise as a result of the floods.
“I am particularly saddened by the loss of human life caused by this unleashing of the forces of nature,as well as by the significant damage of all kinds. In this sad circumstance, I extend the sincere condolences of the government and my own to the victims.” Dion Ngute said through a post on his official X handle (formerly Twitter).
The main cause of the floods has been attributed to heavy and long hours of rainfall.
By Mercy Kusi ( guest writer)
