Heavy rains have caused devastating floods in Nkwen, in the Bamenda III subdivision, resulting in at least four fatalities. The tragedy unfolded on Thursday evening, sweeping away several people after a path collapsed. Search operations are ongoing in an atmosphere of anguish, as people are still missing.
According to initial reports, the victims were part of a group caught off guard by the rapid rise of water near the Mile Two bridge. The path they were using gave way under the force of the water, plunging them into a violent current. Three of the deceased have been identified as women, their bodies found in the Below Foncha and Nghomgham areas.
Rescue teams, composed of military personnel and residents, were deployed on Friday morning to try to find the missing. The search is complicated by the high water level and the difficulty of accessing certain areas. Local authorities and rescuers are continuing their efforts to locate other potential victims.
The current toll remains provisional, and concern is growing among the population, with many families still without news of their loved ones. This tragic event highlights the vulnerability of certain areas of Bamenda III to severe weather and the need to strengthen infrastructure and warning systems.
Similar floods have struck the region in the past, notably in August 2022, when passengers were stranded in Nkwen due to rising waters. These recurring events underscore the importance of better stormwater and waste management to prevent such disasters.
In July 2024, the Below Foncha neighborhood had already been affected by flooding due to the overflow of the Nkie-Mufeh stream, exacerbated by the accumulation of plastic waste. Residents then participated in a cleanup operation to clear the waterway.
Bamenda III authorities had expressed their commitment to finding lasting solutions, including improving infrastructure and raising public awareness about waste management. The recurrence of these tragic events shows the urgency of acting to protect vulnerable populations.
Efforts are continuing to find the missing and provide support to families affected by these floods.
