Pregnant woman among missing victims of Mbankolo landslide

Bekou Moumbe Gwlandys, a seven-month pregnant woman, is reported missing four days after the landslide that struck Mbankolo neighborhood in Yaounde.

The 35-year-old, reported to be a mother of two daughters, is said to be a Statistical Engineer serving at the Ministry of Economy, Planning and Regional Development (MINEPAT).

She went missing after the disaster destroyed her house alongside several others in the neighborhood on Sunday, October 8.

“She remains untraceable even though the search has been stopped since yesterday,” states a source.

At least 30 people have died in the landslide scene, with several injured persons still undergoing treatment in hospitals in Yaounde.

Among the tragic stories reported from the disaster is that of a family that lost seven relatives.

They had gathered for a birthday celebration that evening when the landslide buried them under the rubble of the house.

Seven of the family members died leaving behind their only survivor, a three-year-old child.

Also, a three-week-old baby was miraculously rescued from the debris on Monday and has been receiving treatment at the hospital.

Its mother also survived the incident.

Rescuers, who have already stopped searching for bodies, say chances are very slim that Bekou Moumbe Gwlandys, the missing pregnant woman, will be found.

Others have also been reported missing as well.

Yesterday, the Ministry of Territorial Administration (MINAT), which has been coordinating the government’s disaster response strategy, said that life was becoming normal in Mbankolo.

However, there are concerns about those who lost their homes and where they are going to be living.

The government made no provisions of shelter for them, but has offered them mattresses, blankets and foodstuffs.