Far North: Biya disburses 350 million FCFA for Mayo Danay flood victims.

Minister Atanga Nji announced the package during a press briefing in Yaounde, on Friday, September 13. The minister said the money will be used to provide essential items such as blankets, mattresses, mosquito nets, hygiene products, and food to those directly affected by the disaster.

He remarked that: "The Head of State has taken prompt actions in the past, and this time is no different. His focus remains ensuring that the affected populations receive the necessary aid and support".

To ensure the relief gets to the population, Atanga Nji announced that a convoy of 50 trucks, loaded with basic supplies, is already en-route to the Far North Region, to attend to the flood victims. 

He said the offer from the Head of State is handled by the Department of Civil Protection of the Ministry of Territorial Administration and local administrative authorities.

He told reporters that the package adds to other temporal measures taken by the President of the Republic to improve on the situation of the hundreds of families affected by the floods.

On other details, the minister revealed that 11 people have died as a result of the floods, while around 900 families, totaling 4,375 people, have been displaced as a result of the flood.

The MINAT boss also extended the condolence of President Paul Biya and The First Lady, Chantal Biya, to the families that have lost loved ones following the mishap.

Schools running smoothly 

Minister Atanga Nji reassured the public that government is actively managing the situation. 

He said field reports attest that schooling is on across Mayo Danay Division despite the flood. 

He said learning is ongoing in makeshift structures. The minister said the goal is to ensure schools function hitch-free in the floods affected areas. 

Atanga Nji also disclosed that measures are also already underway to rebuild affected infrastructure. He explained that following instructions from the Head of State, the Ministry of Public Works is mobilising to repair damaged infrastructure, including a collapsed bridge over River Danay.

Additionally, the minister revealed that temporary relocation sites have been established to house displaced families while authorities are working to get permanent settlement sites for the population.

Calls for collective action against climate change

For Minister Atanga Nji, the flood situation in the Mayo Danay Division alongside other administrative units such as Logone and Chari Divisions among others, are not unconnected to climate change. He called for collective action to handle the situation.

"It is climate change that is the main cause of these floods, and unfortunately, we are seeing a lot of damage," the minister said.

He added that: “We must take this as a sign that we need to accelerate our efforts to address climate change, both at a national and global level".

Furthermore, the minister reiterated the Head of State’s for people nationwide wife in risky zone to vacate and take preventive measures to evade disasters.

This article was first published in The Guardian Post issue N0:3231 of Monday September 16, 2024