A pregnant woman has died from electrocution in Cameroon’s economic capital, Douala, after heavy rainfall caused severe flooding.
The woman was found dead at her home early Friday, according to neighbours. Firefighters later removed her body.
One neighbour said she had spoken to the woman by phone around 9pm the previous night. Concern grew after subsequent calls failed to connect.
The flooding affected large parts of Douala’s fifth district, disrupting movement and leaving homes and roads submerged.
Residents said the rain intensified during the early hours, catching many people off guard.
One resident described waking around 2am to find floodwater reaching knee level inside the home. The water had risen to thigh level by the time she reached the living room.
Motorists and pedestrians also faced major difficulties accessing the city centre. Some were forced to turn back, while others waited for hours for water levels to fall.
A motorist said she had been stranded since 7am and was uncertain whether it was safe to continue towards work or return home.
The full extent of the damage remains unclear.
Cameroon’s meteorological service has warned residents to prepare for potentially heavier rainfall in the coming days.
The flooding has renewed concerns over the risks posed by extreme rainfall, rising water levels and exposed electrical infrastructure in densely populated urban areas.
