Cameroon government hands relief packages to flood victims in Buea

Cameroon's minister of Territorial administration Atanga Nji Paul has offered rice, blankets and mattresses to the victims of the recent flood which created enormous material damage and loss of human life in Buea, Bokwai in the South West region of Cameroon  last Sunday the 18th of March 2023.

Dozens of buildings and homes were destroyed or damaged, leaving families homeless. One person reportedly died after being dragged by flood water. A further five people were reported injured. The situation is still developing and authorities have yet to confirm any details or figures. Some local media sources said the death toll was much higher, while others reported at least 6 people were thought to be missing.

The city of around 300,000 inhabitants is situated on the eastern slopes of Mount Cameroon. Local observers said heavy rain on 18 March flowed down the steep slopes and into residential and business areas of the city. The city’s poor drainage infrastructure was unable to cope. Buea experienced flooding in similar circumstances in March 2020.