News 11 Oct 2023

Landslides claim about 30 lives in Mbankolo,-Yaounde, Cameroon

By Moses Motapene Obase Mudika. On October 8, 2023, a landslide occurred in the Mbankolo neighborhood of Yaoundé, Cameroon, killing at least 30 people and displacing hundreds more. The landslide was triggered by heavy rains that had been falling for several days. The landslide destroyed dozens of homes and businesses, and left a trail of mud and debris in its wake. Rescue workers and volunteers have been working tirelessly to search for survivors and clear the rubble.      The landslide is the latest in a series of natural disasters that have hit Cameroon in recent years. In 2022, a landslide in the same neighborhood killed at least 14 people. And in 2021, a flood in the city of Douala killed at least 40 people.     The landslides and floods are a reminder of the vulnerability of Cameroon to climate change. The country is experiencing more extreme weather events, such as heavy rains and droughts. This is making it more difficult for people to grow food and earn a living.      The government of Cameroon is working to address the risks posed by climate change. However, more needs to be done to help people adapt to the changing climate. This includes providing them with access to early warning systems and disaster relief.