In a devastating incident, at least 23 people lost their lives in Yaounde, the capital of Cameroon, due to a landslide triggered by heavy rainfall, as reported by firefighters on Monday. The disaster struck on Sunday evening in the district of Mbankolo, located northwest of Yaounde, a region housing nearly three million people. Landslides, a common occurrence during Yaounde’s rainy season, are exacerbated by houses constructed precariously on the city’s hills.
Torrential rains led to the bursting of a dam restraining an artificial lake situated on higher ground, causing havoc in the district, as revealed by public broadcaster CRTV. Firefighters tirelessly worked to rescue victims, recovering 15 bodies on Sunday, and an additional eight on Monday morning. Distressed relatives witnessed the grim scene as firefighters solemnly carried the covered bodies away. Security cordons were placed around the area, restricting access to the site of the disaster.
The catastrophe destroyed approximately 30 houses, constructed from wood, dried earth bricks, and metal sheeting, leaving devastation in its wake. The tragic event follows a similar disaster in November last year when 15 individuals perished due to a landslide engulfing members of a funeral party in Yaounde’s Damas district. Cameroon, like many regions prone to such natural disasters, faces ongoing challenges in managing the risks associated with heavy rainfall and ensuring the safety of its residents during the rainy season.