A heavy and prolonged rainstorm hit Yaoundé, the political capital of Cameroon, on Sunday, October 8, 2023. Starting in some parts of the city at 1 p.m., it caused significant damage in certain neighborhoods.
One such neighborhood is Mbankolo, specifically in an area known as Source, not far from Fébé Village in the 2nd district of Yaoundé.
Witnesses report that the rain, which began shortly before 7 p.m., destroyed houses and caused landslides. Several people were buried under the debris, and entire families lost their homes.
The firefighters arrived at the scene hours later and retrieved several lifeless bodies from the rubble. Witnesses speak of around ten deaths.
Search and rescue operations are ongoing. Several neighborhoods in the city are submerged, with flooded roads resembling streams.
Many voices are already pointing fingers at the authorities, who, according to several experts, allow construction in dangerous areas, including hill slopes.
We will provide further updates on the situation.