The Cameroonian National Fire Brigade conducted a multirisk disaster simulation exercise in Yaoundé on November 5, 2026, to test its response to major technological catastrophes. The exercise, which was attended by General Mahamat Ahmed, aimed to evaluate the brigade's capacity to respond to a major disaster involving fire, radiological risk, and multiple victims. The scenario involved a collision between a tanker truck carrying 30,000 liters of gasoline and a vehicle transporting radioactive materials clandestinely.
The exercise, which was held at the Etam Bafia neighborhood in Yaoundé, brought together various emergency response teams, including the national gendarmerie, national security, military health directorate, radiological safety and nuclear security authority, civil protection, Cameroonian Red Cross, and the Cameroonian Petroleum Deposits Company. The teams worked together to respond to the simulated disaster, which involved a fire and multiple victims trapped in vehicles. The exercise was designed to test the coordination and communication between the different response teams.
According to General Mahamat Ahmed, the commander of the National Fire Brigade, the exercise was designed to assess the brigade's reactivity and operational capacity, as well as the equipment and procedures in place in case of a disaster. The scenarios were chosen based on their likelihood of occurrence. The exercise also involved the deployment of various equipment and resources, including firefighting vehicles and medical supplies.
The simulation exercise was conducted in a controlled environment, with the area divided into several sections, including three security zones, a resource mobilization point, an operational command post, and a medical advanced post. The exercise was led by Lieutenant Colonel Ntuntu Leonard, commander of the 10th group of firefighters. The exercise was observed and evaluated by various stakeholders, including government officials and representatives of the emergency response teams.
The exercise is part of Cameroon's efforts to strengthen its disaster response capabilities and improve coordination between emergency response teams. The country has experienced several major disasters in recent years, including floods and fires, which have resulted in significant loss of life and property. The simulation exercise is expected to help identify areas for improvement and inform the development of new strategies and policies for disaster response.
The exercise also highlights the importance of collaboration and coordination between different emergency response teams in responding to disasters. The involvement of various stakeholders, including government agencies, humanitarian organizations, and private sector companies, is critical to ensuring an effective response to disasters. The exercise is expected to contribute to the development of a more robust and effective disaster response system in Cameroon.
The simulation exercise was a success, with the emergency response teams demonstrating their capacity to respond to a major disaster. The exercise provided valuable lessons and insights that will inform the development of new strategies and policies for disaster response in Cameroon. The country's disaster response capabilities are expected to be strengthened as a result of the exercise, which will help save lives and reduce the impact of disasters on communities.
Key points
- The exercise was designed to test the response to a major technological catastrophe involving fire, radiological risk, and multiple victims.
- The exercise brought together various emergency response teams, including the national gendarmerie, national security, and humanitarian organizations.
- The exercise was part of Cameroon's efforts to strengthen its disaster response capabilities and improve coordination between emergency response teams.
