Emergency aid to flood victims in the South-West Region, Cameroon
UNICEF and its partners are working to respond and preserve the lives of the flood-affected population of the South-West region by covering their basic needs through emergency humanitarian assistance.
“That day, it was raining heavily. I was in the kitchen. Suddenly, I heard screams and voices calling me from outside. It was because of my child. I thought he was in his bedroom; he had gone out without my knowledge. He surely wanted to retrieve his toy that was being carried by the waters of the rain and the torrent. Only his lifeless body was found further in the mud,” the sadness that flashes across the face of happiness is indescribable. The story of the death of her 5-year-old son is tragically touching. Happiness is one of the many victims of floods due to the torrential rains that have hit the South-West Region of Camroon. The localities of Bova, Bokwai, Buea Town and Limbe were mainly affected resulting in the destruction of roads, vehicles, homes, and shops. Affected households have lost a significant portion of their belongings and have been compelled to seek makeshift shelters.
“Everything happened suddenly. We didn’t have time to prepare because the water and the mudslides overflowed with extreme force. There was nowhere to sleep, and the water carried diseases. We were desperate,” said Faith, another victim of the flood in Buea.
The floods affected the Limbe district hospital, which provides health services to a population of 29,540, destroying medical equipment and consumables, damaging mattresses and the cold chain. Consequently, there has been a rise in morbidity rates for diarrheal diseases, respiratory infections, flu-like illnesses, skin infections and malaria. Schools were flooded and teaching materials damaged. Additionally, the local distribution network was destroyed.
“I extend my sincere condolences to all those affected, and I call for urgent action to protect children and families”. Through this statement, Nadine Perrault, the UNICEF Representative in Cameroon, calls for urgent action and assistance to the victims of the flood… “Reports keep coming from UNICEF staff on the ground in Buea. The damage is worrying, and the risks are increasing. The population suffering from the impact of the socio-political crisis has their ability to recover being tested even more. The floods have caused severe damage and the population is exposed to a multitude of threats. Without urgent action, many more children and vulnerable families may lose their lives in the days and weeks to come,” she said.
Ensure access to water and sanitation for affected population
In collaboration with the Environmental Protection and Development Association (EPDA) and other WASH partners, UNICEF quickly set up a water supply system providing 25,000 litres of water and distributing antibacterial soaps to affected communities. About 291 households were sensitized on good hygiene and sanitation practices.
In partnership with the Cameroon Red Cross, 555 homes, 236 toilets, 3 markets and 20 schools have been disinfected. “Our classrooms are secure; our offices are secure. Everything has been disinfected. We are now confident that students and teachers will resume classes in a healthy and safe environment at the start of the next school year,” said Gladys Tobias, Head teacher of the Spin of Wisdom bilingual nursery and primary school.
Reduce the outbreak of water-borne diseases.
Actions have been taken to meet the primary health needs of the affected population. As the risk of water-borne diseases following the floods is real, community health workers have been trained in raising awareness, active surveillance from identification of cholera cases to data collection, screening for malnutrition and vaccination.
“We move from door to door to sensitize the communities: how to keep the environment and their houses clean to avoid cholera. We believe that our action contributes to saving lives” said Isabelle Ashu, a community health worker.
Improving protection outcomes
“We lost everything in the floods. My parents are no longer able to provide my basic needs. I am very grateful to receive this Kit. I received a bucket containing sanitary napkins, toilet soap, underwear, toothbrush, toothpaste, comb, detergent. Thanks to this kit, I feel more confident. I will be very happy to be able to resume classes at the next school year” Faith, 16, one of the 50 teenagers who had just received Dignity Kits distributed by the TeenAlive association. The association works to prevent teenage pregnancies through sex education and the rehabilitation of teenage mothers.
In collaboration with UNICEF, TeenAlive provides support to families in flood-affected areas, especially young girls. The support is available in terms of psychosocial care, donation of dignity kits for women and girls, support in the production of civil documentation, in particular birth certificates.
UNICEF and its partners continue their support to provide humanitarian assistance to the populations affected by the floods in the South-West Region. An investment of about USD 52,000 helped to strengthen the health system, limit the impact of waterborne diseases, maintain vaccination services and allow children to return to school in healthy environments.
Many challenges remain to be met, particularly mobilization of resources but also developing mechanisms for prevention and preparation to better face future disasters.
