Cameroon: Floods jeopardize education of over 74,000 children

By Tata Mbunwe

Floods in the Far North Region of Cameroon are putting the education of over 74,000 children at risk, according to the United Nations International Children’s Emergency Fund (UNICEF).

In a publication released on Friday, Sept. 6, UNICEF says it will be impossible for tens of thousands of children to resume school on September 9, the official date set for school resumption in Cameroon.

“As of 28 August, 158,620 people (18,970 households), were already severely affected,” UNICEF said.

“The floods resulted in seven deaths and eight injured. Additionally, 1,178 heads of livestock were lost and nearly 3,000 hectares of agricultural land were destroyed. As of 2 September, 194 schools were flooded, making the return to school for over 74,000 children impossible.”

The floods have been triggered by record levels of rainfall blamed on climate change.

Areas affected are notably the Logone and Chari, Mayo-Sava, Mayo-Danay, and Mayo-Tsanaga and Diamare Divisions.

These areas received 105 percent to 145 percent of the average seasonal total rainfall as of early August, according to UNICEF.

Forecasts had predicted that rainfall in the North and Far North Regions was going to be 25 percent higher than the historical average usually recorded between July and September.

The flooding has added to the severity of a humanitarian disaster already caused by ongoing Boko Haram attacks in the Far North and a refugee crisis.

Aside from damaging public and private infrastructure, the recent floods have damaged farmlands, livestock and displaced dozens of families.

Some families are now living with other families in the area or seeking shelter in schools, open spots and partially damaged buildings, UNICEF said.

“The ongoing rains and rising river levels are raising concerns about a deterioration of the situation in the coming days and weeks. Between 463,000 and 600,000 people, including 260,000 to 336,000 children, are at risk of being affected by this year’s floods in the Far North and North Regions,” the organization warned.

©Mimi Mefo Info