Flood-Affected Communities in Cameroon’s Far North Get Emergency Relief

The Minister of Territorial Administration, MINAT, Paul Atanga Nji, disclosed that the Head of State increased the financial assistance to flood victims in the Far North Region of the country, from 350 million FCFA to 1.9 billion FCFA.

By Boris Esono Nwenfor

BUEA, Cameroon – Thousands of flood-affected families in Cameroon’s Far North region have received emergency relief materials following devastating floods that displaced entire communities and left many in dire need of assistance. The relief operation, spearheaded by the Cameroonian government, comes as a lifeline for victims struggling to recover from the aftermath of one of the worst floods in recent years.

The aid operation from the government was led by the Minister of Territorial Administration, Paul Atanga Nji, and started in Yagoua, one of the areas severely affected by the floods. Out of the 3, 700 affected victims, 450 have been attended to and given relief materials.

The recipients were handed essential items like rice, soap, sleeping mats, buckets, blankets and tents for temporary shelter. The aid is part of the 1.9 billion FCFA relief package given by President Paul Biya to assist those affected by the flood. Minister Atanga Nji equally noted that the relief package will be extended to other flood-affected areas like Mayo Danay, Dimare, Mayo-Tsanaga and the Logone and Chari Divisions.

The flooding in some areas of the Far North has claimed 11 lives, destroyed 40,000 homes and displaced 180,000 people, Minister of Territorial Administration Paul Atanga Nji told reporters in the capital, Yaounde.

"Unfortunately, we have casualties, but we have to assist the population. We need to anticipate and put in place preventive measures in cases of flood. The vulnerable population or those impacted by the floods must receive assistance in the fastest possible way," Atanga Nji said.

He added that within 48 hours, about 50 trucks loaded with relief materials would be dispatched to the region. In response to mounting pressure from heavy rains, local authorities had earlier requested urgent aid for flood victims. In August, Cameroon's meteorological centre warned of continued turbulent weather, predicting that heavy rains and strong winds would persist in the region, which has already experienced devastating downpours.

Many of the flood victims had been surviving with limited food and unsafe drinking water, raising concerns over the potential outbreak of waterborne diseases. Medical teams were also deployed to assist with healthcare needs, especially for children and the elderly, who are most vulnerable in such conditions.

As floodwaters recede, local authorities are working to assess the full extent of the damage and identify the needs of affected families. For now, the focus remains on providing immediate relief and preventing further loss of life. In the coming weeks, rehabilitation programs will be launched to support families in rebuilding their homes and restarting agricultural activities.