Floods and Catastrophes : Implementing Proactive Measures

In the just-ended year 2024, Cameroon recorded a spate of natural disasters in some parts of the national triangle. Like it has been the case in other catastrophes, several citizens lost their lives in such perilous circumstances. The natural disasters that stroke the country in 2024 were relatively severe as enormous material and human casualties were recorded. It began with the devastating floods in the Logone et Chari and Mayo Danay Divisions in the Far North Region following excessive rainfall and rising water levels between mid-July to September 2024. The fatalities were enormous with at least 17 dead. As at November 11, 2024, 448,164 people were affected. 262 schools, 65 health centres were flooded, 56,084 houses damaged, 5,510 heads of livestock lost and 85,253 hectares of agricultural land flooded. 
Even before humanitarian actions could reach a majority of flood victims in the Far North Region, another natural calamity hit the country again. This time, it was in the West Region with the catastrophic mudslide on the Dschang cliff. November 5, 2024 would therefore remain indelible in the minds of families of victims following the disaster that claimed at least 12 persons (bodies found) and several others missing. 
The magnitude of these two natural disasters that stroke Cameroon did not leave President Paul Biya and Cameroonians indifferent. Not only did the President Address condolence messages to the respective Regional Governors but also dispatched relief assistance to the victims of the floods in the Far North Region. The President of the Republic who is very informed on the daily happenings in the lives of Cameroonians also came back to the two tragic incidents during his State-of-the-nation address on December 31, 2024.  
“Unfortunately, we also recorded many victims of natural disasters. The tragedy of the Dschang cliff and the floods in Far North Region are proof of the consequences of our increasing exposure to climate change. While it is true that such floods are, for the most part, difficult to predict, we must step up our efforts to prevent or reduce the ensuing damage. To this end, I have clearly directed the government to implement a specific plan to construct and rehabilitate critical flood protection infrastructure in this region,” he said. President Paul Biya did not only do mere talking but also indicated that he has given firm directives to the competent government department to implement measures that will prevent or curb such devastating natural disasters in the future especially floods. While it is often said that prevention is better than cure, the Head of State’s directives are to be forewarned of imminent floods especiall...