The 2024 National Risk Observatory (ONR) opened this August 22nd at the Conference Hall of the Ministry of Territorial Administration, chaired by MINAT’s Secretary General, Yves Christian Edoa Effa in the presence of the Director of Civil Protection at MINAT, Mme Ndzie Ntsama Angele. The Focal points representing other administrations across different ministries and regions charged with risk management came together and chatted a way forward for a better handling of disaster. Among the risk areas listed were  health challenges like cholera and malaria, climate change causing floods, poor waste disposal, banditry, water shortages, drought , road accidents, fire incidents and drug trafficking. The disturbing factors remain the anticipated eruption of Mount Fako which requires measures to contain the expected danger. The successes recorded from the previous National Risk Observatory Session in 2024 include the creation of an auto data centre, capacity building workshops to equip technicians for prompt response to risks and sensitization of the population. Stakeholders have resolved to continue working on technological apparatus that can monitor and respond to disaster. The need of a fire fighting unit to supplement the work of the fire fighters is also recommended. The two day session wraps up on August 23rd.

By Mildred Ndum Wung