Heavy rains in Bamenda on March 26, 2026, have led to a devastating situation, with the discovery of three bodies in Mulang, approximately eight kilometers from the Mile 2 Nkwen bridge. The victims, two women and one man, were found in a marshy area after being swept away by floodwaters.
The incident occurred when a temporary pedestrian crossing at Mile 2 Nkwen was submerged by the rising waters, carrying away passersby. Rescue operations were immediately launched by the army rescue unit, with the support of local residents. The strong current carried the victims several kilometers, complicating the search efforts and leaving families uncertain about the exact number of missing persons.
This tragedy highlights the vulnerability of temporary infrastructure to extreme weather events. The temporary crossing, which was not designed to withstand heavy flooding, was quickly submerged, and the lack of signage and safety barriers exposed pedestrians to deadly danger.
Local authorities are urged to urgently secure all temporary crossings, especially as the rainy season approaches. A census of at-risk areas in the Northwest region is also necessary. The families of the victims are awaiting rapid identification of the bodies and psychological support.
The recurrence of urban flooding in Bamenda raises crucial questions about the need for sustainable infrastructure and better urbanization management. Uncontrolled urbanization and the lack of adequate drainage systems exacerbate the risks, highlighting the importance of a disaster prevention policy including effective weather alerts. The situation is all the more concerning as the city of Bamenda is scheduled to host Pope Leo XIV in April 2026, which requires urgent measures to ensure the safety of the population.
Beyond this tragedy, floods have also caused considerable damage in other regions, including Kenya where, as of March 24, 2026, at least 21 counties were affected, with 88 deaths and thousands of people displaced. These extreme weather events are a reminder of the need for global action to combat climate change and its devastating consequences.
Until sustainable solutions are put in place, each rainy season will continue to pose a threat to vulnerable populations.
