Monday, December 23, 2024

Cameroon: 37 killed, dozens trapped underground in deadly landslide

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Staff Writer
Staff Writer
Africa Feeds Staff writers are group of African journalists focused on reporting news about the continent and the rest of the world.

Heavy downpour has led to a deadly landslide in Bafoussam in western Cameroon some 200 km (120 miles) north of its main port city of Douala.

Local media reports of at least thirty-seven deaths with dozens still trapped underground.

120 people are reportedly to be living in the said community affected by this disaster.

Rescue efforts are still ongoing following the disaster on Monday night as search for survivors continues.

Regional governor Fonka Awa Augustine told the media some victims built houses on hilly ground, despite government warnings.

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“It is clear that we will have to ask the people who are resident in this area to leave the area, because the area is actually very dangerous,” he is quoted by Cameroon Radio Television (CRTV) as saying.

AP quoted a survivor, Pierre Kemvhe, 51 as saying that his pregnant wife was still missing.

“My wife was expecting a baby and was very tired when she went to sleep while I was still in my shop last night,” he said. “I have not seen her,” Kemvhe said.

Cameroon minister of decentralization George Elanga Obam told victims during his visit that President Paul Biya asked him to “give urgent financial assistance to those who have lost all of their belongings and are hungry without food and water.

We shall examine their needs and see what to do as early as possible.”

Map showing location of Bafoussam

Cameroon map
Photo: BBC

Heavy rains have caused severe flooding in Cameroon and neighboring Central African Republic where nearly 30,000 people have been displaced.

Source: Africafeeds.com

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