Minister Atanga Nji Distributes Presidential Relief to 500 Flood-Affected Families in Limbe, South West Region of Cameroon
About 500 families affected by the devastating floods and landslides that hit Limbe in Cameroon’s South West Region have received emergency relief supplies from the government on behalf of President Paul Biya.
The relief items were distributed on Thursday, August 13, by Minister of Territorial Administration Paul Atanga Nji at the Limbe City Council Hall in Down Beach. The assistance included rice, sardines, cooking oil, soap, buckets, blankets and mattresses.
The distribution followed heavy rainfall that triggered severe flooding and landslides in parts of Limbe on August 5, resulting in loss of lives, destruction of property and the displacement of residents.
Government Calls for Preventive Measures
During his visit to Limbe, Minister Atanga Nji held discussions with administrative, municipal and traditional authorities on the disaster and measures required to prevent similar incidents.
The minister urged local authorities to intensify public sensitisation against construction in flood-prone and other high-risk areas. He also directed administrative officials to work closely with municipal authorities to ensure compliance with existing building regulations.
Atanga Nji stressed that protecting human life must remain the priority as authorities address the risks associated with unregulated construction and inadequate drainage infrastructure.
The relief exercise also marked the distribution of rice donated by China to support Cameroonians affected by disasters and other vulnerable populations.
Limbe Seeks Long-Term Solutions
Beyond the immediate humanitarian response, local authorities called for urgent investment in Limbe’s drainage infrastructure, which they identified as a major factor contributing to the severity of flooding in the coastal city.
Limbe City Mayor Dr Paul Efome Ngale appealed to the government to support the construction of a resettlement site for families living in areas exposed to recurring floods and landslides.
Authorities have identified Bota Land and Moliwe as proposed areas where vulnerable families could potentially be relocated to safer locations. They also called for the establishment of a state-owned settlement layout for residents currently living in high-risk zones.
The appeals highlight the need for a coordinated approach that goes beyond emergency relief to address the underlying causes of disaster vulnerability, including inadequate drainage, unsafe settlement patterns and construction in environmentally sensitive areas.
Human Rights and Disaster Response
The situation in Limbe also raises important human rights concerns. Floods and landslides can threaten fundamental rights, including the right to life, adequate housing, health, security and access to basic necessities.
While emergency assistance is essential following a disaster, authorities have a responsibility to adopt preventive measures that reduce foreseeable risks to communities. Effective urban planning, functional drainage systems, enforcement of building standards, early-warning mechanisms and safe relocation programmes can contribute significantly to protecting vulnerable populations.
Any relocation of communities from high-risk areas should also be carried out in a rights-respecting and participatory manner, with affected families adequately consulted and provided with safe and dignified alternatives.
For the families affected by the August 5 disaster, the distribution of relief supplies provides immediate assistance. However, the calls from local authorities underscore the need for sustainable measures to ensure that communities in Limbe are better protected from future floods and landslides.
Berinyuy Cajetan is the founder and publisher of Human Rights and Legal Research Centre (HRLRC) since 2017. He has intensive experience in strategic communications for Civil Society Organizations, campaign and advocacy, and social issues. He has an intensive experiencing in human rights monitoring, documentation and reporting.
