More rains could cause disaster in West region, authorities raise alarm

By Stephen TADAHA

The National Meteorology Department of the ministry of Transport and the National Observatory on Climate change say some parts of the West and North West Regions might witness landslides and floods in the second half of October, 2023 due to heavy rains that will go above 130mm.

According to the National Observatory on Climate change, floods might hit Bafoussam and Santchou in the West Region and Babessi and Bamenda in the North West Region during the period of heavy rains. In Bafoussam, Upper Nkam, Mbouda and Dschang are zones exposed in the West Region, while Bamenda, Boyo, Bui and Widikum are the most exposed areas in the North West Region.

In reaction to this information, Governor Awa Fonka Augustine of the West Region has called on competent authorities in his administrative unit to take adequate measures and sensitize the population so as to avoid such disasters.

The Governor also called on the population in his administrative unit to remain vigilant and avoid settling in risky zones such as swampy areas, mountain slopes and sandy areas. Health-wise, Awa Fonka Augustine said the population should avoid standing waters around them which are vectors of cholera and dysentery.

Road users on their part, notably drivers and pedestrians have also been called upon to be vigilant and report road accidents.

This warning given by the Governor, came just days to the 4th anniversary of the Ngouache landslide, in Bafoussam III subdivision, in the West that killed at least 42 persons.
A similar disaster occurred some days ago in Mbankolo in the Centre Region taking away 30 lives.