Health hazards and a slowdown in socio-economic activities are some of the effects in Buea and Limbe.
From July and at present time, the population of Buea and Limbe are yet to be at ease with the heavy rainfall. As a result, cold, foggy weather and health related diseases are some of the ills the population has to undergo before the rain finally fizzles out.
The consequences are easy to diagnose especially in Buea. Health wise, some inhabitants of the South West regional capital told Cameroon Tribune that they are currently suffering from cold, pneumonia, cough and foot rot. Dr. Judwin Ndzo of the Solidarity Clinic Molyko confirmed that common diseases revolve on asthma, pneumonia, filaria, malaria and foot rot caused by fungi infections. She advises the population to keep warm, sun dresses when possible, sweep away stagnant water and seek treatment in hospitals.
Socially, ceremonies such as weddings, funerals, sporting events, have been postponed to the dry season. Transporting corpses from one part of the region to the other remains problematic. Insecurity is alarming as armed robbers perpetrate burglaries and other despicable acts during the heavy down pour. A case in point is at the Buea Clerks' Quarters residential area where the inhabitants sleep with only one eye closed.
Economically, the effects are glaring as there is a downward trend in activities. With the heavy downpour, movement of customers to business premises and the supply of goods is not as easy as in the dry season. Even taxi-cab drivers Cameroon Tribune talked to, complain that earnings are low. "I used to make FCFA 8,000 a day during the dry season. Currently, I barely make up to FCFA 6,000 a day," said John Tabe, a Buea-based taxi driver. The down pour has not made only enemies; some are making hay. Those selling plastic shoes, pullovers and umbrellas have witnessed rising sales. They confided that from FCFA 35,000 to 40,000 a day during the dry season, they currently make profits of FCFA 50,000. However, some inhabitants complain of hunger as they cannot go to the market or stores to buy foodstuffs for their families.
