By Boris Esono Nwenfor
BUEA, PAV – Three members of the same family have died following devastating floods and landslides that struck Limbe in the early hours of Wednesday, August 5, 2026, after prolonged torrential rainfall across the city.
The deaths were confirmed by the Limbe City Council following an assessment conducted by municipal firefighters and other emergency and rescue teams deployed to the affected areas. According to the City Council, the three victims died when a building collapsed in Mbende Quarter, Mokeba Farms.
The victims have been identified as Epulie Melanie, 26; Meh Blessing Duh, 25, who was pregnant; and Fanny Duh, 14. A fourth member of the family, Meh James Duh, was rescued from the collapsed structure and rushed to hospital. He is reported to be in stable condition and out of danger.
The disaster also destroyed property and temporarily displaced some residents, as several parts of the city were affected by flooding and landslides. The City Mayor of Limbe, Dr Paul Efome L.M. Ngale, expressed deep sadness over the loss of lives and extended condolences to the bereaved family.
He also commended residents for the solidarity and assistance shown to people affected by the disaster, particularly those who found themselves in distress during the heavy rains.
Council Warns Residents Against Risk Zones
The latest disaster has once again brought into focus the vulnerability of several communities in Limbe to flooding and landslides, particularly during periods of intense rainfall.
The City Council urged residents to avoid building or living on hillsides, along riverbanks and in flood-prone areas, where heavy rainfall can trigger landslides, flooding and structural collapses. Inhabitants have also been encouraged to regularly consult meteorological forecasts and remain alert to changing weather conditions.
Following the heavy rains, Limbe City Council firefighters and other emergency and rescue teams were deployed to affected areas to assess the damage, rescue victims and provide assistance to residents. The Council said the information on casualties was compiled after emergency teams gathered data from the affected areas.
The City Mayor said the Limbe City Council would continue working to mitigate the effects of floods and landslides while awaiting support from the State for a more sustainable solution.
For the bereaved family, however, Wednesday’s disaster has left an immeasurable loss, with three lives taken in a single tragic incident. The Limbe City Council has urged the population to remain vigilant, heed weather warnings and take every precaution to protect lives and property during periods of heavy rainfall.
