By Wesley Omondi
BUEA, OCTOBER 5, 2024 (CISA) — The Catholic Diocese of Buea has called on its clergy and faithful to rally support for victims of the recent floods in Mayo-Danay, Cameroon. Heavy rains on August 28, 2024, caused severe flooding in the region, resulting in significant loss of life and destruction of infrastructure. Over 2,000 people have been left homeless, and schools have been severely disrupted.
“On Wednesday, August 28, 2024, heavy rains in the Mayo-Danay division caused serious floods that led to the loss of human lives and infrastructure,” Bishop Michael Miabesue Bibi of the Diocese of Buea stated in a letter dated September 28, 2024.
In response to the disaster, the National Episcopal Conference, through its Caritas and Education commissions, has launched a relief drive to assist those affected by the floods. The Diocese of Buea is now joining the national efforts, with Bishop Bibi urging both clergy and lay faithful to contribute to this cause. The funds raised will go directly to support the homeless and those whose lives have been upended by the floods.
“I wish to invite all Priests and Christ’s lay faithful in the Diocese of Buea to organize a collection on Sunday, October 6, 2024, to assist the victims of the floods,” Bishop Bibi appealed in his letter.
The Bishop’s letter also emphasized the importance of involving students and young people in the relief effort. He encouraged schools within the diocese to show solidarity with the victims by organizing collections among students and pupils.
“The Education Secretary will equally organize students and pupils in the Diocese of Buea to take up a collection in order to show solidarity to their brothers and sisters in the North of Cameroon,” Bishop Bibi noted.
The diocese also committed to continuing prayers for those affected by the floods, particularly for the deceased, the homeless, and the suffering. Bishop Bibi urged the faithful to keep the victims in their thoughts and prayers during this challenging time.
“Let us continue to pray for the deceased, the homeless, and the suffering victims of the floods,” he added, highlighting the need for both material and spiritual support.
