Aftermath of floods in Douala, residents hopeful

Flood victims in Bépanda-Missokè, Douala have resumed an almost normal life after Saturday’s heavy downpour which resulted in the loss of many properties. After the floods, children and their parents sought shelter on the sidewalks with fear and worry expressed all over their faces.

Their playground was the populous valley which extends to ‘Sable’; a crossroad that derived its name from a nearby mining firm.

We met a young single mother named, Marvel Kam. She had to leave her food business to retrieve what she could in her house. "Everything is ruined! But I can select what is good and throw the rest, "she said in a hoarse voice.

Other affected neighbourhoods by the severe floods on June 20 have for three days now, been drying their household items like mattresses, clothes, kitchen utensils and furniture. Meanwhile, the victims of the recent flood have used various techniques to protect some commercial appliances in their homes.

Air condition and fridge specialists have not had a break since the floods occurred. On the road that connects to Makepe General Hospital, one of them account: "This is the fourth refrigerator since yesterday. The numbers are unusual”.

According to the refrigerator repairer, he works on not more than two or three in a month. However, he is not happy about the current situation because he “fears that customers will find it difficult paying for his services”.

The resilience of the active Douala has been seriously affected. The only solution is to construct proper drainage system “otherwise more harm will be caused”, predicted Impo Fozin, an inhabitant of Bonabassem.