Climate observatory warns of more landslides in West, NW Regions
By Stephen Tadaha
The National Observatory on Climate Change and the National Meteorology Directorate of the Ministry of Transport say more landslides could again be recorded in the West region particularly in the localities of Fokoué, Foreke-Dschang, Fongo-tongo, Kekem, Bana and Bazou in the West and in Widikum in the Northwest Region from November 11 to 20, 2024 following the saturation of soil with water.
The warning is contained in a press release made public by the Governor of the West Region, Awa Fonka Augustine on November 13, 2024. The governor has recommended that residents in the areas at risk should avoid crossing flooded areas and bridges during heavy rains, while remaining vigilant in areas most at risk of flooding and seeking shelter during the downpours.
He also invites farmers to follow the agricultural calendar adapted to weather forecasts and to harvest their produce in a timely manner. Also, cases of malaria, flu, cholera and other water-borne diseases are likely to be on the rise during this period, experts have warned. It is therefore important for population to reduce puddles of water around homes as much as possible in order to avoid these pathogens.
The governor also counts on increased awareness by the competent authorities in all areas to take appropriate measures to avoid any disastrous consequences that could occur due to the announced disasters.
The West Region of Cameroon has been recently at the heart of natural disasters with the landslide which occurred at the Dschang cliff recently, killing at least 12 people and recording huge material damages.
The Climate Observatory issued a similar warning for the West and Northwest Regions back in September. Flooding back then left a little girl dead in Bamenda in the Northwest.
According to scientists, climate change leads to extremes in weather patterns such as heavy rains in some places and extremely high temperatures and drought in others.
