At least 15 lives have tragically been lost, with over 50 individuals suffering injuries, in the wake of devastating floods triggered by heavy rains in Yaoundé, the capital of Cameroon.
Rescue efforts are underway to locate those still missing after the calamitous deluge that occurred the previous day.
The torrential rains unleashed a deluge of floodwaters, causing extensive damage and destruction, particularly in the Yaounde II district of the city.
Rescue teams persistently comb through mud and rubble with the hope of preserving additional lives, as Daouda Ousmanou, the district’s highest-ranking government official, reported on Monday.
Cameroon has witnessed recurrent flooding in recent years, often attributed to the effects of climate change, with poorly constructed buildings that frequently evade regulatory standards exacerbating the impact.
In the Mbankolo neighborhood of the city, over 30 houses were swept away, while several tragically collapsed with occupants inside, leaving others to be carried away by the relentless floodwaters.
The victims’ remains have been respectfully placed in a morgue, while the injured have been promptly transported to hospitals.
The Yaoundé General Hospital confirmed that it has received 12 injured people, including a 7-year-old girl.
Cameroonian authorities have been taking measures to demolish structures located in high-risk zones susceptible to flooding and landslides.
Tragically, many of the buildings that collapsed on Sunday had already been identified for demolition as part of these safety efforts.
