Heavy downpours on Friday August 21st left some neighborhoods in Douala submerged in water. Affected neighborhoods include, Bepanda Safari, Akwa, New Bell, Nkololoun, Bongo Cite Berge, Makepe Missoke, Mabanda, Bonamoussadi amongst others. The Flooding disrupted traffic, destroyed homes among other things. At the time of this report, no human casualty has been reported. There are fears however that the flooding may render hundreds homeless especially if heavy downpour in this metropolis maintain the current momentum.
vehicles almost submerged by water
Cameroon’s state broadcaster Rene Katche Echu in a Facebook post described the flooding as crazy. He writes “I have never seen this kind of rain in Douala in my 5 year stay here! The Flooding is just crazy! My heart bleeds for those in flood prone neighborhoods”
Inhabitants trying to find themselves out through the flood waters
This is not the first nor the second time Cameroon’s economic hub, Douala is experiencing flooding. Inhabitants of this highly populated metropolis always expect floods anytime during the raining season especially on the month of August when heavy rains are common.
Many have blamed the flooding to poor urban planning as well as poor drainage system. Careless waste disposal of, especially plastic materials has further complicated the problem.
Inhabitants of the affected areas are calling on the Cameroon government and people of good will to come to their aid.
Feature images: Journal Du Cameroun
