By Njoh Linda
A devastating fire broke out at a site hosting thousands of Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) in Kolofata, Mayo-Sava Division of Cameroon’s Far North Region, leaving the vulnerable residents homeless and in despair.
The blaze, which broke out this Saturday, February 7, rapidly spread through the densely populated camp, destroying more than 3,500 shelters and reducing the few belongings of displaced families to ashes.
At least one person died in the incident, deepening the grief of a community that has been struggling with insecurity and extreme poverty caused by the war against Boko Haram.
According to local sources, the fire consumed large sections of the settlement within hours, overwhelming residents who had little means to contain the flames.
Most of the affected families are women, children, and elderly persons who fled violence linked to insecurity in the Lake Chad Basin area. They are now left without shelter, food, or basic necessities.
With their makeshift homes destroyed, many survivors are currently exposed to harsh weather conditions and heightened health risks.
Humanitarian workers warn that the situation could quickly deteriorate without urgent intervention, as access to clean water, sanitation facilities, and medical care remains limited.
While the exact cause of the fire is yet to be officially established, preliminary assessments suggest that overcrowding and the use of rudimentary cooking equipment may have contributed to the rapid spread of the flames.
The disaster has further worsened an already fragile humanitarian situation in this border area, which hosts thousands of people displaced by years of conflict and instability.