Heavy rains pounded Fako and Meme Counties on Wednesday, August 5, leaving death and destruction across Southern Ambazonia. While a deadly landslide struck Victoria, a massive rescue operation saved dozens from floodwaters in Kumba.
In Victoria, Fako County, torrential rains triggered a landslide in Mbende Quarter. The collapsing earth buried a family home, killing three relatives, including a pregnant woman. However, rescue teams pulled an elderly survivor from the rubble with injuries. The survivor is reportedly out of danger.
Meanwhile, relentless rainfall flooded large parts of Kumba in Meme County. Rising waters submerged Malabo Quarter, Meta Quarter and Tchako Street from about 2:30 p.m. Consequently, emergency teams rushed to the affected communities.
The rescue operation lasted nearly eight hours before ending around 10:00 p.m. During the mission, responders rescued 22 people trapped by floodwaters. They also evacuated about 100 residents to safer locations before conditions worsened.
Furthermore, rescue teams helped families recover valuable belongings before floodwaters swallowed their homes. Their quick intervention prevented further losses.
One of the most dramatic rescues involved three people stranded on the roof of a flooded house. Rescue personnel safely brought all three to safety despite the dangerous conditions.
In another incident, floodwaters exposed residents to additional dangers. A snake bit one resident during the flooding. Rescue teams immediately evacuated the victim to the Kumba Regional Annex Hospital for treatment.
Although the disasters unfolded in different counties, they reflected the devastating impact of the heavy rains across Southern Ambazonia. At the same time, the rapid rescue efforts in Kumba prevented another deadly tragedy.
