A pregnant woman has died from electrocution following heavy rainfall that caused severe flooding across parts of Douala, Cameroon’s economic capital.
The woman was reportedly found dead early Friday morning at her residence in the city’s fifth district, with firefighters later removing her body.
Neighbours said they became concerned after they were unable to reach her by telephone.
One neighbour told Africanews that she had spoken to the woman on the phone at about 9pm on Thursday before losing contact with her.
According to the neighbour, her husband later forced open the kitchen door after repeated calls went unanswered and discovered the woman’s body.
The heavy rainfall caused widespread flooding across the district, disrupting movement and leaving residents struggling to access parts of the city.
Residents said the flooding began in the early hours of Friday, with water quickly rising inside homes.
One resident told Africanews that he woke up at about 2am and found water already reaching his knees. By the time he moved into the living room, he said, the water had risen to his thighs.
Motorists and pedestrians were also stranded as several roads became impassable. Some motorists reportedly turned back, while others waited for hours for the floodwaters to recede.
A woman trapped in her vehicle said she had been unable to reach her workplace despite arriving at the affected area at about 7am.
“I’ve been here since 7am and can’t get to work,” she said, expressing uncertainty over whether to continue or turn back.
The full extent of the damage from the flooding was not immediately known.
However, Cameroon’s meteorological service has warned residents to prepare for potentially heavier rainfall in the coming days, raising concerns over further flooding and related risks in Douala.
