The Far North region of Cameroon, with its capital in Maroua, is located in the extreme northern tip of the country. Bordered by Nigeria to the west and Chad to the east, this region experiences a semi-arid to tropical climate, with highly variable rainfall patterns. It is divided into six administrative divisions: Diamaré, Mayo-Danay, Mayo-Kani, Mayo-Sava, Mayo-Tsanaga, and Logone-et-Chari. Each division faces unique environmental and socioeconomic challenges, making the Far North one of the most vulnerable regions to the effects of climate change, drought, and flooding.
In 2024, the region is once again battling the effects of severe flooding, which began when the rainy season intensified in mid-July. What started as moderate rainfall—occurring once every four days—has escalated since August 10, causing a dramatic rise in water levels. The floods have now reached critical levels, with widespread destruction across several districts in the Logone-et-Chari and Mayo Danay divisions.
Between August 10 and 19, 2024, heavy rains overwhelmed rivers, inundating homes, farmland, and key infrastructure. The situation hit its peak on August 28, when dikes in Mayo Danay broke, flooding Yagoua and its surrounding villages. The affected districts in the Logone-et-Chari and Mayo Danay divisions are now in urgent need of relief and recovery efforts.
Impact of the Floods
Blangoua (Logone-et-Chari): Nearly 75,000 people affected
Makary (Logone-et-Chari): 43,000 people affected
Zina (Logone-et-Chari): 9,000 people affected
Maga (Mayo Danay): 18,000 people affected
Yagoua (Mayo Danay): 13,000 people affected
As the rains persist, other divisions are also feeling the impact. In Diamaré, Ndoukoula district has reported over 400 affected residents, while Mayo-Tsanaga's Mokolo district has seen nearly 200 people affected. With more rainfall expected, the full scope of damage is still being assessed.
The floods have struck particularly hard on communities that are already vulnerable due to a host of challenges. The region faces not only environmental crises like droughts and locust invasions but also socio-political instability and poverty, making it difficult for residents to recover from such disasters. These overlapping crises have left communities in the Far North region with little resilience to withstand such catastrophic events.
Managing the Situation
A coordinated and multi-stakeholder response is crucial to managing the current crisis and preventing further damage. Humanitarian actors, including OCHA, and the Red Cross, have been monitoring the situation closely and mobilizing resources. However, more comprehensive and sustained efforts are required to protect these vulnerable communities.
Government and Local Authorities: There is an urgent need for the government to prioritize rebuilding infrastructure such as water retention dikes, roads, and flood defenses. Authorities should also implement long-term flood management strategies, including improved drainage systems and reinforced flood protection measures.
International Organizations and NGOs: Humanitarian organizations, including the Red Cross, OCHA, and local NGOs, must continue delivering relief supplies such as food, clean water, medical aid, and temporary shelter to those affected. These organizations should also coordinate their efforts to ensure no community is left behind and resources are used efficiently.
Community Involvement: Local communities must be involved in flood prevention and disaster preparedness. Implementing community-based early warning systems and providing disaster risk education can significantly reduce the impact of future floods. Training communities in sustainable farming practices and water management can also increase resilience to extreme weather events.
Climate Adaptation and Resilience: To address the root causes of flooding, national and local governments must invest in climate adaptation projects. This includes sustainable water management, promoting reforestation, and enforcing land-use policies that prevent construction in flood-prone areas. A comprehensive national flood risk management strategy should be implemented to protect both urban and rural communities.
The Ministry of Health and Health Stakeholders: In times of floods, the Ministry of Public Health plays a critical role in safeguarding public health and preventing disease outbreaks. Their primary responsibilities include:
Responsibilities of Ministry of Health...
Preventing Future Disasters
Flood prevention efforts must go beyond immediate disaster response. Stakeholders, including the government, local authorities, and international actors, should work together to implement sustainable flood prevention strategies. Investments in green infrastructure, such as rain gardens and permeable pavements, can help absorb excess rainfall in urban areas. Ensuring that rural regions are equipped with flood defenses and promoting sustainable land use are essential to mitigating the impact of future floods, not only in the Far North but across Cameroon.
HELP Foundation is closely following the developments in the Far North and is committed to supporting humanitarian efforts in the region. Stay tuned for further updates as we work alongside our partners to provide assistance to those affected by this devastating crisis.
Comments