Incident Report; The effect of environmental hazard (heavy rains & storms) on Housing, Land and Property (HLP) and children’s safety in Bangem Town on the 10th of March 2023

INCIDENT Following heavy rains witnessed in Bangem Town on the evening of March 10th 2023, some families and households are now homeless. This comes after several other homes were destroyed last week by similar rains and storms rendering other families homeless. This is an unusual happening considering that with the climatic condition of Kupe-Muanenguba, the population does not expect rains to fall with such severity during this month of March. However, with the effects of climate change now affecting almost all nations and communities, such happenings should be an urgent call for concern for more prepared actions to combat the climate crisis at community levels, nationally and globally. With the current crisis in the NWSW regions of Cameroon, most inhabitants of Bangem now are returnees struggling to rebuild and resettle following stability (security) of the town for months now. With economic crisis, most households cannot afford good house and accommodation especially women and students. As such, many currently live in locally constructed houses with wood (constructed years ago and now dilapidated and old). This makes such houses less resilient to environmental shocks like the heavy rains and storms of March 10 2023. To note about this incident is the fact that “NO human life was lost” but some minor injuries were recorded by some members of the affected households. Looking at the effects of such climate shocks, YADEF team could not report this incident without making highlights on food security concerns. Kupe-Muanenguba is an agricultural hub in the South West region of Cameroon. Some of the major crops produced by farmers in this area which have been seriously affected by the heavy rains and storms is plantains, banana. These two crops were massively destroyed by the winds, storms according credible testimonies from many farmers and projecting the future consequences, there will probably be a drop in their output. This will affect incomes of households and also hunger for some families because crops have been massive destroyed. YADEF being a vibrant and pro-active development centered at the heart of the community, with child protection concerns sensitized inhabitants of some quarters in Bangem to be more conscious especially during rainfall and bad weather conditions. People residing at Hausa-Quarter neighborhood were sensitized to be watchful and conscious about the safety of children during rainfall in the coming weeks and months as we project even more heavy rains in months like July, August and September and October. This is because; women and children are mostly less mobile, or being in one position during particular hours of the day, making them more vulnerable to such hazards. Our team also reminded the population to always get engaged in climate action and practice environmental friendly activities to combat climate change and its repercussions. This is because if such hazards continue to occur, the poor, and the poor people will bear the bronze of the climate shocks. Amongst these activities in our sensitization package included; waste disposal and management (which deviates runoff and increases chances of flooding), sustainable agricultural practices, tree planting, rural infrastructures and development plans of local and national administrations like Local Council etc. Also, we have been able to send comfort words and provided psychosocial support as first aid to one of the victims. We are calling on actors to support in other aspects if resources permit. Also, this incident directly linked to HLP has increased the vulnerability of affected women and children in Bangem. With the difficulties, some might likely even go in for other cheaper accommodation where they even increase their vulnerability to not only natural disasters but to issues of security and safety from thieves. A female headed household is more vulnerable to exploitation due to homelessness. The education of children too is being affected and needs urgent reactions especially for school materials. Estimated Damaged Caused • Homes destroyed; about four (4) houses completely damaged at Hausa Quarter, Bangem (covered by this report) but other households were affected previously by similar rains and storms before this particular ones • Education; all books and school materials damaged by rains Trauma of household members especially female household heads, women and children • Home appliances and other valuables seriously affected and some completely damaged. • Mattresses were soaked and some might take up to a week to get dry Other materials like chairs etc. soaked • Thousand of food crops completely damaged and destroyed especially plantains, maize, cassava etc Emergency needs of the affected households and families • Shelter and food support • Protection • Education materials for students and pupils especially books, textbooks of school pupils • Materials; mattress and tents and others • Psychosocial support • Emergency medical support for some injuries and those with trauma Affected Households • Ntube Florence, Female headed household, Hausa-Quarter, Bangem. Household size (2 persons – mother and 1 child) • Other houses about four (4) whose details were not recorded before the release of this report due to trauma and inability to be interviewed. YADEF is still to get details of other affected households due to trauma and mental wellbeing of affected household members. But then, from our monitoring operations this morning as at 10:15 am, our team was able to access only Hausa-Quarter where about four (4) houses are down. Developments will be captured in subsequent reports to get the actual damaged houses and number of persons who have been affected Recommendation Urgent response is needed. We are sending this incident report to communicate the impact of the rains and storms and if it can be shared widely with various humanitarian actors in the South West region of Cameroon including shelter cluster and OCHA Buea Hub. School needs or students are urgently needed such as books, pens, school bags, and also birth certificates for some pupils writing First School Leaving Certificate (FSLC). Some of these pupils attend Catholic School Bangem and JOSSAM Bilingual Nursery and Primary School Bangem. Heads of these two establishments can be of help we think. For partners who have resources, they should support affected households with shelter and related services like materials. Other organizations can also carryout other assessments in areas of their interventions Finally, YADEF is available to collaborate with organizations, and other stakeholders who wish to support in any way. Also, YADEF also recommends that potential partners can laise with the Reverend Father of the Ave Maria Catholic Church Bangem (Fr. Charles), he can also serve as an intermediary for assistance. Or, the Bangem Council too can also play an intermediary role for assistance YADEF works in strict respect of humanitarian principles and do-no-harm. One of our objectives is to promote and build strong and accountable communities. We stand at ZERO percent tolerance for sexual exploitation and abuse. We uphold accountability and transparency very high. All correspondences from YADEF or its staff or team member MUST always have in copy the general secretariat email: info@yadef.org and or yadef.foundation@hotmail.com. Also, we took authorization from the affected families before pictures and videos were recorded with the objective clearly outline. We respect all this and more in our response. 10th March, 2023 Bangem. Njumbe Desire M. Programs Coordinator YADEF