At least three people were killed after torrential rain triggered severe flooding and a landslide in the coastal city of Limbe, south-west Cameroon, early Wednesday.

Footage shows fast-moving floodwater sweeping through streets as residents and vehicles struggle through the deluge.

Buildings stand partly submerged, while wreckage and damaged furniture lie inside and around collapsed buildings.

A house collapsed in the Mbende neighbourhood after the rain-soaked hillside gave way, sending earth and debris crashing into the building at about 06:00. Rescue workers recovered three bodies from the rubble.

“It happened this morning at 06H12. I was washing my clothes when I saw lightning strike three times. As I turned around, I saw the house collapse. I immediately tried to get my children to safety. Sadly, my landlord lost his three children. He is currently receiving oxygen treatment.”

The victims were reportedly a girl aged about 14, a woman aged about 30 and a pregnant woman believed to be around 33.

Resident Samuel Enow said neighbours rushed to the scene and pulled the landlord from the wreckage.

"We succeeded in rescuing the father, the man of the house, the landlord of the house. The people who were under the landlord's covering – we are still in that state of mourning. We mourn them because all of them passed."

Authorities have assessed the damage across Limbe after floodwater poured into homes and cut through roads in several neighbourhoods. Hospitals were also hit, with water entering their grounds as medical workers continued to treat patients and respond to emergencies.

More rain is forecast throughout the coming week, with another period of heavy rainfall expected from late Friday into Saturday. Saturated ground may increase the risk of further flooding and landslides.

Limbe has repeatedly suffered deadly floods and landslides during periods of heavy rain.

In July 2023, five people lost their lives, and more than 2,000 people from over 300 households were affected