The National Observatory for Climate Change (NOCC) has shared safety measures to help the population with the current weather experienced across the National territory.
These recommendations cut across the health, water and energy, urban and agricultural sector.
This information is contained in the Information note forecasts and Dekadal Climate Alerts Bulletin for 11 to 20 November, 2024.
The NOCC provides this information every ten days to help citizens make informed decisions with regards to climate change. Besides the recommendations, the Dekadal also contains weather updates across the ten regions.
In the health sector, NOCC emphasised the need to scrupulously observe basic rules of hygiene and sanitation, notably the systematic washing of hands with clean water and soap before meals and after the use of latrines.
They equally recommended the washing of food with portable water before consumption, the treatment of water before drinking it and the proper cooking of food.
For protection against cold, they recommended regularly putting on warm clothes and drinking hot drinks like tea. Also, urged people to air and ventilate living areas as much as possible.
Besides the health sector, the Dekadal also contained recommendations in the water and energy sector. These include activities such as regular sampling, analysis and treatment of drinking water at catchment points and water supply points before distribution to households.
Cameroonians were also advised to employ the regular use of basic techniques such as filtering and boiling amongst others to make drinking water portable at household levels.
In the urban sector, they advised that people reduce or avoid crossing flooded channels during rains as there is a risk of drowning.
They also urged people to avoid taking shelter under trees, walking near cables and electric poles during thunderstorms, as there is a risk of being struck by lightning or being electrocuted. In addition, people should endeavor to clean drains and gutters to facilitate rainwater run-offs.
With regards to the agricultural sector, those living in the Southern part of the country (Centre, South, East, West, North West, Littoral and South West regions) were encouraged to comply with the recommendations of the National Observatory on Climate Change’s Agricultural Calendar for their farming activities during this second 2024 cropping season.