Limbe flood, landslide disaster: Minister Nalova Lyonga donates 7 million FCFA to victims.

The natural disaster, which occurred Wednesday, August 5, 2026, left three persons, including a pregnant woman dead. Scores of other residents in neighbourhoods across Limbe, sustained injuries following the catastrophe.

Following the disaster, the City Mayor of Limbe, Dr Paul Efome Mbole Ngale, and the Senior Divisional Officer, SDO, of Fako, Viang Mekala, toured affected areas to evaluate the damage and identify victims.

Based on the assessment, the officials will determine how to distribute the seven million FCFA donated by Minister Nalova Lyonga, through her foundation, The Nalova Foundation. 

The member of government made the important donation Sunday, August 9, 2026. This was during her visit to the seaside resort city.

A gesture from the heart 

Minister Nalova Lyonga, who arrived Limbe on Sunday, August 9, stated that she had come to personally assess the extent of the damage caused by the floods. 

The bona fide daughter of the soil assured residents that further assistance, particularly from the State, would be forthcoming.

Comforting affected persons…

Minister Nalova Lyonga began her Limbe tour at the city’s Regional Hospital, where she visited Duh Meh, the sole survivor, out of four, of the fatal Mbende landslide incident.

Meh was at his hillside residence with three of his children when a concrete embankment behind his house, collapsed, completely destroying his abode. His three children tragically perished in the disaster.

Deeply moved by the tragedy, Minister Nalova comforted Meh and prayed for his swift recovery. The Director of the Limbe Regional Hospital, Dr Arreneke Nyenti, alongside his staff, briefed the Minister on the medical care being provided to the survivor. 

The minister also presented a financial package to his wife to help support his ongoing treatment.

Tragic story…

Meh's wife was away in the village with their two other children when the tragedy occurred. She was only informed of the disaster after it occurred.

Minister Nalova Lyonga, during the visit, consoled her, encouraging her to stay strong and put her trust in God during the difficult time.

Taking the cue, Mrs Meh expressed her deep gratitude to the Minister for the financial aid. She also thanked Limbe City Mayor, Dr Paul Efome Ngale and the Ministry of Public Health, which has fully taken over the financial responsibility for Meh’s medical care.

Following her hospital visit, the Minister inspected the damaged fence at the Limbe Wildlife Centre, which was destroyed by flash floods. 

She then proceeded to the Limbe Old Market, passing through the flood-affected Cassava Farms neighborhood.

Widows assisted to boost activities

 At the Limbe Old Market, Minister Nalova Lyonga inspected several grinding mills donated by her foundation to the Limbe Widows’ Association.

She explained that the gesture was part of a broader support package targeting widows and vulnerable women across Fako Division.

She further revealed that the foundation plans to install a borehole water system in Buea, and has already donated an automated spice-grinding mill to the women of Bimbia, in the Limbe I and Limbe III municipalities.

Vacate risk zones

Minister Nalova Lyonga concluded her Limbe visit with a fervent call for vigilance. She urged all residents living on hilly slopes and areas long designated as Risk Zones in Limbe, to relocate immediately for their own safety.

She said: “We are still in the month of August, which means the probability of more heavy rains coming is still very high”.

But what actually occurred on August 5, 2026?

It should be recalled that on Wednesday, August 5, 2026, a hillside retaining wall collapsed and slammed into a house below, killing three persons and seriously injuring the father of the household, Duh Meh.

Same day in the Livanda New Layout neighborhood at Mile 3, another landslide destroyed five houses, leaving numerous residents homeless.

Additionally, flash floods tore through the perimeter wall of the Limbe Wildlife Centre, destroying a section of the fencing and the bridge near the zoo and the Limbe Central Police Station. 

Reports indicate that many other residents in Mbonjo, Down Beach, and other low-lying settlements suffered from severe flooding on that fateful August 5, 2026.

This article was first published in The Guardian Post Edition No:3875 of Tuesday August 11, 2026