The recent flood episodes in Yagoua, Mayo-Danay department (Far-North), have pushed nearly 43,000 people into a severe food and humanitarian crisis, local authorities reported.

In a swift response, the United States has pledged an investment of $400,000 (about CFA240 million) to be channeled through the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), according to a February 21 statement from the U.S. Embassy in Cameroon. The money will provide emergency food aid, protection, shelter, and hygiene kits to needy populations.

On February 17, the U.S. Ambassador, Christopher J. Lamora, visited the affected communities to show the "solidarity" of the American people. “The United States is deeply saddened by the devastating loss of life and livelihoods.  We stand with the people of Cameroon during this difficult time.

Because women, girls, and marginalized communities are disproportionately affected and placed at risk by natural disasters such as flooding, USAID is also providing increased support to prevent gender-based violence as well as support for survivors of the flooding tragedy,” he said during the visit.

The death toll is at least 10; roads, houses, schools, and farms in the locality have been affected, according to Jean Lazare Ndongo Ndongo, the Senior Divisional Officer of Mayo-Danay. Since mid-August 2022, many localities in the departments of Mayo-Danay, Logone-et-Chari, and Mayo-Tsanaga have been submerged. The causes include heavy rains, overflowing rivers, and/or breached dikes. Last October, the Head of State ordered a "thorough study" to develop a sustainable response plan.

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