The earth trembled in Cameroon this week, and in the aftermath, a heartbreaking scene unfolded. A massive landslide swept through the region of Dschang, claiming lives and leaving families in grief.
News of the tragedy reached far and wide, including the ears of former UFC heavyweight star, Francis Ngannou, who immediately took to social media to voice his sorrow. For Ngannou, this wasn’t just another news story—it was personal. As a proud Cameroonian, the loss hit close to home.
In a post on his Instagram account, ‘The Predator’ stated, “Unbelievable growth fall yesterday at the Dschang Falaise that caused the deaths of dozens of people. My condolences to the families of the deceased, may they rest in peace”. This year hasn’t been kind to the former UFC heavyweight champion, with his KO loss to Anthony Joshua, losing his son Kobe Ngannou, and now the tragic landslide in his home country.
According to a report by ABC News, torrential rains had weakened the soil on the stretch of highway linking Dschang in the western Cameroon region and Douala, the nation’s economic hub, creating a trap for three buses and several road workers. The Washington Post reported four fatalities and more than 50 people missing, most likely trapped under the debris. The landslide in western Cameroon comes at the heels of West Africa experiencing its worst stint with heavy floods that have claimed more than 1,000 lives this year. Cameroon’s Minister of Public Work Emmanuel Nganou Djoumessi attributed the natural disasters to climate change.
For Francis Ngannou – his sorrow echoed across social media, where fans joined him to express their grief, concerns, and some consolation. While many shared heartfelt condolences, others also raised concerns about the environmental conditions that likely led to this tragedy. Here’s a look at what the online community had to say.
Fans rally behind Francis Ngannou as Cameroon deals with the aftermath of massive landslide
Dozens of fans and well-wishers expressed their solidarity with the PFL heavyweight champion, including the Brazilian light-heavyweight star Johnny Walker. Walker sent prayers to Francis Ngannou and the Western African nation.
“@Johnnywalker: “God bless and make their family comfortable”
The same sentiment was echoed by another fan as they highlighted the enormous impact of the tragedy. According to a statement by Cameroon’s Minister of Public Work, Emmanuel Nganou Djoumessi, “I’ve asked that rescued victims be taken to the mortuary, while survivors should be fully taken care of in order that they’re quickly relieved of their pains”
“My Condolences to the families of all who are going through this difficult and tragic time.”
Another fan’s message went beyond condolences, addressing environmental factors. The tragedy comes amid a year of record-breaking rains across West Africa, with floods killing over 1,000 people and displacing hundreds of thousands. With deforestation linked to the increased rate of landslides in the region, the Governor of the West Region, Augustin Awa Fonka stated, “The earth collapses have become common in Cameroon and the world in recent months and roads in these regions have become dilapidated…”
“Deforestation causing soil to be weaker. Roots make soil stronger hence why we are seeing an alarming rate of mudslides and growth falls.”
Others put up simple, yet heartfelt messages of solace for all the people who lost their lives in the natural disaster, adding their voices to console Ngannou along with the country in this trying time.
“May they rest in peace”
Meanwhile, some fans sought clarity over the term ‘growth fall’ used by Francis Ngannou to describe the incident. According to the British Geological Survey, “Falls are landslides that involve the collapse of material from a cliff or steep slope. Falls usually involve a mixture of free fall through the air, bouncing or rolling. A fall-type landslide results in the collection of rock or debris near the base of a slope.”
“Can anyone explain what a growth fall is and rip to all that died…”
Fans questioned the exploitation of natural resources and claimed. that the landslide wasn’t just a natural disaster; it was a harsh reminder of how humanity’s actions have left scars on the earth. Earlier this year, the World Meteorological Organization issued a warning that Africa is at risk of the world’s most extreme weather patterns and natural disasters. Cameroon’s recent landslide only underscores that warning, showing how torrential rains and deforestation combine into a deadly mix.
“When they steal our trees, that whats comin after. Pray for Dschang”
In the wake of Cameroon’s tragedy, Francis Ngannou and the netizens have done more than mourn—they’ve highlighted deeper issues surrounding the disaster. As prayers and condolences flood social media for ‘The Predator’, so do discussions on deforestation, climate change, and the human hand in environmental degradation. The landslide may have stolen lives and left a scar on Cameroon, but it also reminded us of the strength in human compassion – and the duty we all share in protecting our earth.