Death toll in Cameroon landslide rises to 30, rescue efforts continuing-Xinhua

Death toll in Cameroon landslide rises to 30, rescue efforts continuing

Source: Xinhua

Editor: huaxia

2023-10-10 01:16:00

Photo taken on Oct. 9, 2023 shows the site of landslides in Yaounde, Cameroon. Rescuers pulled out three more bodies later Monday after landslides in Yaounde buried homes and buildings Sunday, bringing the death toll of the disaster to 30, officials said. (Photo by Kepseu/Xinhua)

YAOUNDE, Oct. 9 (Xinhua) -- Rescuers pulled out three more bodies later Monday after landslides in Cameroon's capital of Yaounde buried homes and buildings Sunday, bringing the death toll of the disaster to 30, officials said.

National Fire Fighting Brigade in charge of the rescue efforts said that rescue operations were still underway at the disaster site where dozens more are feared trapped under the rubble.

The landslides occurred at 8 p.m., local time, Sunday in the hilly neighborhood of Mbankolo in Yaounde after a persistent downpour.

It is estimated that 25 houses were swept away by the floods.

The country's Minister of Territorial Administration Paul Atanga Nji visited the disaster site earlier Monday and said some of those rescued in the tragedy were receiving treatment in the hospital.

"The government extends condolences to the bereaved families," Nji told reporters.

Yaounde is one of the wettest cities in Africa, with dozens of steep hills. Heavy rains have triggered several devastating floods throughout the country this year. In November last year, 14 people attending a funeral in Yaounde were killed in a landslide.

Survivors are seen among their belongings at the site of landslides in Yaounde, Cameroon, on Oct. 9, 2023. Rescuers pulled out three more bodies later Monday after landslides in Yaounde buried homes and buildings Sunday, bringing the death toll of the disaster to 30, officials said. (Photo by Kepseu/Xinhua)

People search for survivors at the site of landslides in Yaounde, Cameroon, on Oct. 9, 2023. Rescuers pulled out three more bodies later Monday after landslides in Yaounde buried homes and buildings Sunday, bringing the death toll of the disaster to 30, officials said. (Photo by Kepseu/Xinhua)

Photo taken on Oct. 9, 2023 shows the site of landslides in Yaounde, Cameroon. Rescuers pulled out three more bodies later Monday after landslides in Yaounde buried homes and buildings Sunday, bringing the death toll of the disaster to 30, officials said. (Photo by Kepseu/Xinhua)

Photo taken on Oct. 9, 2023 shows the site of landslides in Yaounde, Cameroon. Rescuers pulled out three more bodies later Monday after landslides in Yaounde buried homes and buildings Sunday, bringing the death toll of the disaster to 30, officials said. (Photo by Kepseu/Xinhua)

A man operates an excavator at the site of landslides in Yaounde, Cameroon, on Oct. 9, 2023. Rescuers pulled out three more bodies later Monday after landslides in Yaounde buried homes and buildings Sunday, bringing the death toll of the disaster to 30, officials said. (Photo by Kepseu/Xinhua)

Red Cross and civil protection personnel work at the site of landslides in Yaounde, Cameroon, on Oct. 9, 2023. Rescuers pulled out three more bodies later Monday after landslides in Yaounde buried homes and buildings Sunday, bringing the death toll of the disaster to 30, officials said. (Photo by Kepseu/Xinhua)

A man stands where his house was built at the site of landslides in Yaounde, Cameroon, on Oct. 9, 2023. Rescuers pulled out three more bodies later Monday after landslides in Yaounde buried homes and buildings Sunday, bringing the death toll of the disaster to 30, officials said. (Photo by Kepseu/Xinhua)

Photo taken on Oct. 9, 2023 shows the site of landslides in Yaounde, Cameroon. Rescuers pulled out three more bodies later Monday after landslides in Yaounde buried homes and buildings Sunday, bringing the death toll of the disaster to 30, officials said. (Photo by Kepseu/Xinhua)