By Ikome Christie-Noella Eposi
The Vice Chancellor of the University of Buea, Prof. Ngomo Horace Manga has announced that the University of Buea is currently finishing the construction of a Volcano Monitoring Laboratory which will be equipped with computers to be utilized in data collection on volcano such as increases in temperature and emission of gases from Mount Cameroon.
He made the revelation during a workshop in Buea organized by the university in collaboration with the Partners Enhancing Resilience for People Exposed to Risk (PERIPERI) on Tuesday December 12 2017
The workshop which held under the theme “reducing the impacts of natural Hazards and disasters posed by Eruptions of Mount Cameroon on the population” was aimed at building local capacity towards disaster risk reduction.
The marriage between PERIPERI and the University of Buea is geared towards empowering local communities as well as informing policy makers and stakeholders on approaches of disaster risk reduction in the areas of food, insecurity and natural hazards and disasters (volcanic hazards and disasters from eruptions of Mt Cameroon, floods and landslides).
The Vice Chancellor of the University of Buea, Professor Ngomo Horace Manga said the workshop is intended to sensitize the vulnerable communities on the impacts of eruptions and how to manage them.
According to the Dean of the Faculty of Science, Professor Ayonghe Samuel Ndonwi, “There are very different types of erupting mountains around the world and people turn to mix them up. The risk that comes from the eruptions of mount Cameroon, as we have observed from previous eruptions, such as earthquakes which starts with tremors leading to an eruption. This may result to an explosion which leads to the release of gases and lava flow which then becomes a risk to people”
He equally urged on everyone to keep themselves abreast and always in the know for upcoming eruptions. “We are putting in instruments to monitor any form of eruption but in the mean time, we urge the population to put their eyes and ears on the ground for updates from the media or authority”.
Due to the consistency of the eruption of mount Cameroon, reports have it that, there might be an eruption any time soon. Professor Ayonghe assured the public that, they should not be afraid of any future eruptions because there are already measures put in place to handle any upcoming eruptions.
“The government, in collaboration with scientists, has put everything together. So you can feel secured and assured that in case of any future eruptions, disasters will be less.
According to Prof. Ayonghe, the carbon monoxide produced during an eruption causes asthma, synopsis, common cold, bronchitis etc. it also causes itchy, painful eyes and can lead to conjunctivitis.
It is worthy of note that, Mount Cameroon erupts about every 15-16 years. It lastly erupted in the year 2000 and occurs at different points and heights.
The partnership between PERIPERI and the University of Buea is that of African Universities that spans across the continent and is committed to building capacities in research and outreach activities with local communities on disaster risk reduction and it is sponsored by the United States Agency for International Development (USAID).