The weather forecast for the last quarter of 2023 is extreme over much of Cameroon. "Regular heavy rains, sometimes accompanied by violent winds, are expected in the Far North, North, Adamaoua, North-West, West and East regions, as well as along the coast, during the September-October-November 2023 quarter," warned the Minister of Transport (Mintransports), Jean Ernest Masséna Ngalle Bibehe, in a press release issued this Wednesday, October 11.

These heavy rains are forecasted to exceed the typical rainfall patterns for the specific regions in question, as per their historical climatic data, he warned. They could lead to flooding in low-lying areas, landslides in accident-prone areas, destruction of road infrastructure and housing in the said areas, as well as cases of erosion and pollution of drinking water, according to forecasts by the National Meteorological Department (DMN) housed at Mintransports.

The rest of the country, on the other hand, is expected to experience "more or less normal" rainfall, with no major risks for the population. Given the heavy rains forecast, authorities are calling for vigilance and asking residents in the regions concerned to vacate areas at risk of flooding. The rain, which is now falling continuously over a large part of the country, accompanied by lightning and thunder, has already caused loss of life and widespread damage.

P.N.N