Landslide in Mbankolo, Yaoundé, October 2023: The tragic consequences of the lack of control of urbanization
On the night of October 8, 2023, the Mbankolo district in Yaoundé was the scene of a dramatic landslide which cost the lives of at least 30 people, according to the latest official report. This tragic accident highlighted the devastating consequences of the lack of control of urbanization in the Cameroonian capital.
In fact, it is a dike more than 100 years old which gave way under the weight of the water, after three days of torrential rain. The pipes that should have evacuated the water were blocked, which caused the dike to rupture and the landslide that followed.
This dike, built in 1914 by the Germans, was originally a small artificial lake used for fish farming. Unfortunately, over the years, illegal constructions have emerged below the dike, in a ravine which should have remained unoccupied. These precarious concessions were washed away by water during the landslide, leading to the loss of many lives.
Following this tragedy, the authorities called on the population to evacuate the site for security reasons. Firefighters and volunteers were mobilized to help the victims and secure their property. A backhoe was used to clear the debris and restore the blocked waterway.
The question of uncontrolled urbanization in the Cameroonian capital was also raised. Indeed, the Mbankolo district is a non-buildable zone, yet precarious housing has developed there over the years. It is clear that municipal authorities must strengthen their control of urbanization and prevent construction in risk areas.
In this tragedy, the population paid a high price. It is essential that measures are taken to prevent such accidents in the future. This requires better control of urbanization, regular maintenance of existing infrastructure and raising public awareness of the risks involved.
In conclusion, the landslide in Mbankolo, Yaoundé, in October 2023, highlights the dramatic consequences of the lack of control of urbanization in the Cameroonian capital. It is imperative that the authorities take measures to prevent such accidents in the future and ensure the safety of the population. The Mbankolo tragedy must serve as a shock and push for concrete action to avoid new disasters.