Yaoundé
The death toll from a devastating landslide in Cameroon’s West Region has reached 11, with rescue efforts ongoing. Heavy rainfall triggered the landslide on a steep hill near La Falaise, close to Dschang Town, burying three passenger buses, construction equipment, and multiple workers in debris, local authorities said on Friday night.
According to West Region Governor Augustine Fonka Awa, four bodies were initially recovered on Tuesday. On Friday, seven more bodies were retrieved, though many were in an advanced state of decomposition. Over 50 people are still believed to be trapped beneath the rubble, and families anxiously await news of missing loved ones.
“We’re still waiting for news,” said Emmeline Wakam, who has been searching for her grandmother and brother since the disaster. Recent torrential rains have led to widespread flooding and increased landslide risks across the region, particularly along the steep, winding roads connecting the commercial hub of Douala to the affected areas.
Efforts to clear the debris and locate survivors are complicated by the rough terrain and continued instability of the land. Local officials are coordinating with rescue teams and are working to improve road safety to prevent future tragedies in this high-risk area.
