Douala Floods: Three die and more than 1,500 families affected

"An unusual level of water was recorded in the city of Douala which caused significant damages. Five neighbourhoods in the city of Douala were affected. That is the reason why we must take stock and take necessary measures," said the Governor of the region.

The floods after heavy rains of Friday, July 19 breaking Saturday, June 20, 2015 caused extensive damage. The report from sub-prefects of each district helped give a clear picture of the situation. They were complemented by that of the mayors of the municipalities of Douala 2nd and 3rd districts.

5th district of Douala was most affected by the floods recording the death of two children aged 8 and 10 years. A body was also recovered from the waters in the 3rd District of Douala.

According to Joseph Béti Assomo, Governor of the region of the Littoral, 1500 families were forced to move swiftly from the borough to take refuge with relatives and according to him, are gradually returning to their homes.

The combined efforts of firefighters and volunteer rescuers helped save many especially as some had taken refuge on the roof of their homes. A company located in the area recorded a loss of about 60 million CFA francs.

Mbanya neighbourhoods, bridges in Akwa-nord, Mboppi, have all been invaded by water which was redirected to homes inundating them with a level of more than 30 centimeters.

This was as a result of the congestion in the drains which was caused by illegal buildings. "The drainage systems are blocked by buildings", confirmed Denise Fampou, Mayor of the 2nd District of Douala municipality. This has necessitated a crisis meeting at the services of the Governor yesterday, Sunday, June 21, 2015, in Douala.

Directives

They indicated that the situation has been diagnosed for several years and Governments endeavour to provide definitive solutions to the problems. The Government delegate took the opportunity to reveal the ongoing program before noting that the city is facing population pressure as more than 10,000 people settle in Douala each month.

However, 49km of additional drains will be constructed at all risk areas, which stands at 109 billion CFA francs, to help dry out the city. Work should start in September 2015.

But in the interim, the Governor of the region recommends that they initiate a demolition operation calling for the abandonment of structures built on drains since it is clear from all reports of the authorities that one of the causes of the flooding is the congestion of such drains by these constructions.

The clearing operation will continue and then intensified in areas at risk.

The rapid alert system shall be reactivated and the staff of the Ministry of public health will be ready to intervene. The city is recovering gradually from the floods.