On 18 March 2023, the city of Buea, the capital of the Southwest Region of Cameroon, was hit by powerful flash floods that caused extensive damage and displacement. According to reports, dozens of buildings and homes were destroyed or damaged, leaving families homeless. Unfortunately, one person reportedly died after being dragged by flood water, while five others were injured. The situation is still developing, and authorities have yet to confirm any details or figures. However, some local media sources have reported a much higher death toll, while others indicate that at least six people are missing.

Buea is a city of around 300,000 inhabitants located on the eastern slopes of Mount Cameroon. Observers noted that the heavy rainfall on 18 March flowed down the steep slopes and into residential and business areas of the city. The poor drainage infrastructure in the city was unable to cope with the volume of water, exacerbating the impact of the floods. It is worth noting that Buea experienced flooding in similar circumstances in March 2020.

The flash floods have caused significant damage to the affected areas and have left many families homeless. The situation is of great concern to the authorities, who are currently assessing the extent of the damage and the number of people affected. Emergency services are working to provide support to the affected communities, including food, shelter, and medical care for those injured. The government has also promised to provide support to those who have lost their homes and possessions as a result of the floods.

The flash floods in Buea are a tragic reminder of the impact of climate change on vulnerable communities. As extreme weather events become more frequent and intense, it is critical that governments and communities work together to strengthen infrastructure and develop effective disaster response strategies. While the immediate priority is to provide support to those affected by the floods, it is also essential to learn from this event to mitigate future risks and prevent similar tragedies from occurring in the future.

In conclusion, the flash floods in Buea have caused significant damage and displacement, with one reported death and five injuries. Emergency services and the government are working to provide support to affected communities, but the full extent of the damage and the number of people affected is yet to be confirmed. The event highlights the urgent need for effective disaster response strategies and climate change mitigation measures to protect vulnerable communities in Cameroon and beyond.