Even though the rains were awaited it instead brought gnashing of teeth among many.
The inhabitants of Yaounde are still trying to cope with the effects of the heavy down pour in the city on Saturday March 16, 2013. Even though people were expecting the rains to enable them begin the planting season, the rain instead brought gnashing of teeth. In some neighborhoods like Mendong, Biyem-Assi, Etoa and Nsam, among others, people struggled with flood waters and blackouts due to damaged electric poles. People living in swampy areas were temporarily displaced from their homes by to floods. Some even moved to other neighborhoods and only returned after the rains. Others have built barns in their houses where they pack their belongings each time the rainy season comes. In the Mballa II neighbourhood, an electric pole was destroyed due to the strong wind and caused black out in the area.
In Etoa, in the outskirts of Yaounde, the heavy rain and strong wind blew off the roof of five houses and that of classrooms. Normal activities were almost at a stand still as people could not go about their activities freely. The roads were deserted as many vehicle owners packed their cars to avoid any disaster. Patrice Ndongmo who lives in the Mendong neighbourhood said there was blackout in the area for long hours due to the heavy rains. Many people had their electrical appliances damaged due to thunder that accompany the rains. Taxi fares skyrocketed as only few drivers had the courage to brave the heavy rain. The drivers chose only certain destinations where the roads leading to those areas are still in good shape. Jean Paul Kenfack said he paid FCFA 500 from the Central Post Office to Mendong due to the heavy rains. Another inhabitant who asked for anonymity said that when the rains fall it is time for some people to empty their sewage holes. “Even though the rain has come to reduce the dust and the heat it is also dangerous to the environment,” he said.
The situation was also an opportunity to make brisk business for most taxi drivers. Jonathan Onana, an inhabitant of Yaounde said the rains are welcome as it will enable farmers plant crops. “Personally, I was waiting for the rains because the soil was too hard. Now I can start planting my corn and other crops,” he said. Reports say the situation has been similar in other regions of the country notably: South West, Littoral, West and North West which have for some time been witnessing heavy rains.
