Presidential Archives- Devastating Floods in Victoria causing Landslides June 2001 `
By Martin Mungwa, PhD, PE, F.ASCE – US Licensed Professional Engineer
Introduction
Natural disasters like wildfires, floods, and storms affect lives, destroy infrastructure, and slow down national development. In the United States, disasters like the California wildfires and Texas floods have shown how unprepared communities suffer heavy losses. In Ambazonia, we face growing risks from coastal flooding in Victoria (Limbe) and frequent market fires. By looking at how countries like the U.S. prepare and respond, Ambazonia can build systems to protect its people.
Wildfires in California: Climate Danger and Preparedness
California has experienced some of the world’s worst wildfires. Drought, high temperatures, and unmanaged forests cause these fires to spread quickly. Entire communities have been wiped out.
Key Lessons for Ambazonia:
Wildfires are rare in Ambazonia, but we face other climate threats like landslides and erosion.
Communities must be trained and educated on how to prepare for and respond to disasters.
Flooding in Texas: Infrastructure Under Water
Texas has seen major floods, especially during storms like Hurricane Harvey. Poor drainage and low-lying areas make it worse. Infrastructure like roads and bridges often fail during these events.
Key Lessons for Ambazonia:
Cities like Kumba and Mamfe must be planned using proper drainage and flood maps.
Roads and buildings in flood areas must be raised and built stronger.
Market Fires in Ambazonia: A Hidden Crisis
Ambazonia’s towns have seen many market fires, especially in Bamenda, Kumba, and Limbe. These fires destroy shops, goods, and family livelihoods. They often happen at night and are rarely investigated.
Why It Matters:
Markets are the economic heart of many towns. Fires set families back for years.
What We Must Do:
Build fire-proof markets with safe materials.
Set up emergency fire units in each county.
Introduce insurance or relief funds to help vendors recover.
Coastal Flooding in Victoria (Limbe): A Growing Risk
Heavy rains and rising sea levels are causing regular flooding in Victoria. Poor drainage and construction near the coast make things worse. Floods destroy homes, businesses, and roads.
Smart Solutions:
Build sea defenses like sea walls and restore mangroves.
Don’t allow building in high-risk flood zones.
Create warning systems to alert people before floods arrive.
Douala’s Wouri Bridge: A Lesson in What Not to Do
The Wouri Bridge in Douala (La République du Cameroun) is a modern bridge that still gets flooded during storms. This is because it was not designed using the right flood data.
Lesson for Ambazonia:
All bridges and roads should be designed using 100-year flood models.
Avoid politically-driven projects that ignore engineering science.
The Sako Strategic Plan: Building for the Future
President Dr. Samuel Ikome Sako has called for storm-hardened infrastructure across Ambazonia. Roads, bridges, and public buildings must be designed for the next 100 years, not the last 10.
Plan Highlights:
Use engineering models to design bridges that resist major floods.
Elevate critical infrastructure in towns like Ndop, Menji, and Muyuka.
Plan and build with climate change in mind.
Creating AEMA: Our Own FEMA
In the U.S., FEMA (Federal Emergency Management Agency) helps people prepare for and recover from disasters. Ambazonia should create its own version—AEMA (Ambazonian Emergency Management Authority).
What AEMA Should Do:
Train response teams in every county.
Store emergency supplies across the country.
Run public education campaigns in English, Pidgin, and local languages.
The Role of the Ambazonian Society of Engineers
The Ambazonian Society of Engineers (ASE) will play a vital role in disaster preparedness and national development. As a professional body, ASE should lead efforts to:
Educate the public on safe building practices and climate-resilient infrastructure.
Advise the government on policy and standards for construction, urban planning, and disaster risk reduction.
Train engineers and technicians to implement the Sako Strategic Plan and support the work of AEMA.
Promote research and innovation in local materials, flood modeling, and cost-effective engineering solutions.
A strong engineering community will be essential to building a safe and sustainable Ambazonia.
Conclusion: Build Before the Storm
Disasters won’t wait for us to be ready. Market fires, floods, and landslides are happening now. But with planning, training, and strong leadership, we can be ready. The examples from California, Texas, and even Douala show us what to do—and what not to do. Ambazonia has the chance to lead Africa in disaster preparation and resilience. Let’s build it right from the start.
Dr. Martin Mungwa is a U.S.-Licensed Professional Engineer and Fellow of the American Society of Civil Engineers. He advocates for climate-ready infrastructure, disaster planning, and smart nation-building.
