Douala inhabitants live in fear of flood

The heavy rain that fell on Saturday came unexpectedly and effected some areas in Douala including Ngangué, Makepe Missokè, Bilongue, Logbessou, among others.

Conscious of the environment in which they live, many residents had taken measures to prepare for the rainy season; notably, by elevating the entry of the houses using stones, setting up a pulley system to raise furniture and other possessions at home.

Marianne T. and her family live at Makepe-Missokè. Their home is located near the N'gongue River. Like their neighbours, they lifted up beds, kitchen utensils and other properties with large stones. The head of the family built a ladder for climbing the bed.

Josephine D., her husband and children live at Pk 13, near the drain that threatens homes. Like many others, their house is located close to the valley. Between July and August, they usually choose between two options; move from their premises or block the water with sandbags.

The heavy rain last weekend came as a surprise to these families including Josephine who had to take her children on vacation earlier than expected. According to her, should there be another rainfall, the other members of the family will have to will help take care of the furniture using tarps and find shelter with family elsewhere.

Mr. Seraphim, another resident has nowhere to go for now. His pulley system is the only way he moderates the damage caused by the flood. "I cannot relocate at the moment. I am waiting to find a better place. I have no other choice than to use this means to control the floods”, he said.

It is a difficult situation and the lives of people in these flood prone neighbourhoods are at risk. However, buildings are continuously erected on water ways and reas where there are no sewer systems.

I sincerely hope that evictions ordered by the administrative authority begin soon.