Thousands displaced, schools closed as floods devastate Far North Cameroon

By Prince Mundi Tanda, Guest Writer

The Far North Region of Cameroon is once again grappling with devastating floods, with three Divisions affected so far. The Region has been experiencing flooding since the start of the rainy season, which began in the second half of July with an average rainfall frequency of one day out of four.

The Mayo Tsanaga, Mayo Danay, and Logone-and-Chari Divisions of the Region have been affected with Yagoua in the Mayo Tsanaga being the epicenter. Residents in towns within the Divisions are facing widespread destruction, with homes, livestock, and livelihoods swept away by the floodwaters.

The people of the Far North Region are not new to floods. However, the deluge this year is said to be the most devastating in recent history.

“This year is terrible; we have lost houses, livestock, and much of our livelihoods,” explains Mamouda Farada, a local resident of Yagoua, echoing the feelings of many in the region who are struggling to cope with the ongoing disaster.

The flooding has not only affected daily life but also the region’s educational sector. Schools have been forced to shut down as classrooms remain submerged, preventing students from attending classes. According to UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA), over 50,000 children in the Mayo Danay Division remain out of school. This disruption could significantly affect the academic calendar and the outcome of national exams for thousands of students.

“We’ve lost so much, even vital documents. As a teacher, I’ve lost all my papers. I have nothing to show,” lamented Madaga Salmana, a local educator whose story highlights the far-reaching impact of the floods on professional and personal lives.

In Yagoua, flood victims have been relocated to a temporary site, but conditions are dire. Families are struggling to survive, with limited access to food and basic necessities. Maidadi Salome, another resident, expressed the desperation of the displaced population: “We are just struggling to survive. We have nothing left. We manage to forage in nearby bushes, hoping to find leaves and fruits to feed our families.”

Last week, President Paul Biya ordered the disbursement of FCFA 1.9 billion in humanitarian aid to the victims, according to the Minister of Territorial Administration (MINAT), Paul Atanga Nji. The MINAT boss who was in Yagoua at the weekend to supervise the distribution of food and non-food items to victims of the deluge.

Despite these efforts, many residents of Yagoua are still reeling from last year’s floods, which caused significant damage, leaving many families without the means to recover. This year’s floods have only compounded the difficulties, with far-reaching consequences on the region’s fragile infrastructure and economy.

Environmental experts are sounding the alarm, pointing to climate change as a major factor in the increased frequency and severity of floods in the region. Dr. Sali Bashirou, an environmentalist, explained that rising global temperatures and changing weather patterns have contributed to excessive rainfall and the overflowing of the Logone and Chari rivers.

 “Increased rainfall due to climate change is a significant cause. Prolonged or intense downpours overwhelm rivers and drainage systems. The region’s semi-arid climate makes it prone to extreme weather shifts, causing heavy rains in a short period,” Dr. Bashirou said. He added that deforestation and soil erosion have exacerbated the situation, making the region even more vulnerable to flash floods.

 The government, along with international partners, has made numerous efforts to address the recurring floods in the Far North, but results have been limited. Dr. Bashirou emphasized that more sustainable solutions, such as reforestation and improved land management practices, are necessary to reduce the risks in the long term.

“Promoting reforestation projects and sustainable land use practices to reduce deforestation and soil erosion will enhance water absorption and reduce the risk of flash floods,” the environmentalist explained. He also called for regular river dredging and the construction of flood-resistant infrastructure to better protect vulnerable communities.

This natural disaster comes at a time when residents of Yagoua and surrounding areas are already facing heightened insecurity due to Boko Haram attacks around the Lake Chad basin, adding to the challenges of an already fragile region.

With thousands displaced, children out of school, and livelihoods destroyed, the people of Mayo Danay are calling for sustained government intervention and long-term solutions to prevent future tragedies.

*Prince Mundi Tanda is a journalist, news presenter and reporter with Vision 4 television in Yaounde.

This report was first published in NewsWatch newspaper No 186 of Wednesday, September 25, 2024.