YAOUNDE, Cameroon (BG) – Severe flooding has disrupted lives in Cameroon, impacting over 400,000 people, as the nation also grapples with widespread food insecurity, rising prices, and displacement.

To address urgent needs, the United Nations World Food Programme (WFP) has initiated an emergency aid plan, targeting 200,000 flood victims and seeking an additional US$17.7 million in funding.

The October floods struck Cameroon’s Far North, affecting 68,000 families, including 139,000 children and 29,000 pregnant women. With floodwaters destroying more than 56,000 homes, submerging 82,000 hectares of farmland, and damaging 65 health centers and 262 schools, the region’s food and health needs have intensified. The local food crisis, fueled by rising costs and climate impacts, now affects 2.5 million Cameroonians, with over 70% in conflict-ridden areas.

WFP’s response includes:

• Emergency Food Assistance: WFP plans to deliver food essentials like cereals, pulses, oil, and salt to 200,000 people, aiming to reach 100,000 within the next three months.
• Nutrition Aid: In flood-affected zones, WFP provides nutritional support, especially for women and children, to combat malnutrition and encourage healthy diets.
• Cash Transfers: To help families secure their own food, WFP offers monthly cash transfers of 9,000 XAF (about US$15) per person from September to December 2024.

However, only 22% of the needed funds have been raised, with US$3.8 million currently available. Key support comes from USAID, the European Commission, Germany, and WFP’s own emergency reserves, yet additional funding is critical to avoid further food and health crises.

This WFP emergency assistance, coordinated with local leaders, highlights the urgent requirement for funds to stabilize food access and protect vulnerable families.