In recent weeks, relentless heavy rains have pummeled Mayo Danay in Cameroon’s Far North region, with the city of Yagoua experiencing the worst of the unprecedented downpour. The flooding has caused extensive damage, leading to at least ten fatalities and the submergence of entire neighborhoods. Additionally, 185 primary schools and 13 high schools have been inundated, and over 1,100 livestock have been lost.
The devastation has left residents grappling with severe shortages of basic necessities such as food and shelter. Litassou Daniel, a local victim of the floods, described the catastrophic impact: “The rain took us by surprise in the middle of the night. Our kitchen utensils are gone—pots disappeared, and our sheep, chickens, and goats are nowhere to be found. I’m now in the water, trying to cope, but we can’t even light a fire.”
The humanitarian crisis is profound, affecting over 200,000 people. Approximately 8,000 homes have been destroyed, and many displaced residents have been relocated to temporary camps outside the city. Despite these efforts, there is an urgent call for more aid as the affected individuals have lost everything they had.
Boussate Lydie, one of the displaced residents, voiced her frustration and desperation: “Every year, we face this same threat from floods. Our situation never improves. We’re given tents to stay in, but they don’t last—once the sun comes, they are ruined. We’ve lost goats, sheep, and many homes have collapsed. We’re pleading with the authorities to help us.”
The torrential rains have also resulted in the destruction of a crucial bridge connecting Maga to Yagoua, further isolating certain neighborhoods. In response to this crisis, Cameroonian Minister of Urban Development, Célestine Ketcha Courtes, visited the affected area to assess the damage and discuss immediate actions. The minister reported that the bridge was “completely destroyed” and pledged to mobilize companies to implement a temporary solution. “We’ve committed to mobilizing companies next Monday to implement a temporary solution that will reconnect Maga to the rest of the department, ensuring the population can move more easily,” Courtes stated.
The government has announced an allocation of 350 million CFA francs in aid for the victims. However, many locals believe this amount is insufficient given the magnitude of the disaster. As a result, canoes have become the primary mode of transportation, and there are growing concerns that the region could face complete isolation if urgent measures are not taken to address the crisis effectively.
