Kenya is currently contending with the repercussions of floods triggered by ongoing El Nino rains, resulting in the unfortunate loss of at least 38 lives and the displacement of around 30,000 individuals across the East African nation in the past fortnight, as reported by the Kenya Red Cross (KRC).
The most severely impacted are inhabitants in arid and semi-arid regions such as Tana River, Makueni, Wajir, Isiolo, Marsabit, and Mandera counties. These areas were still in the process of recovering from the devastating effects of the worst drought experienced in 40 years.
Tana River County witnessed the breaching of River Tana, inundating homes, farms, schools, and places of worship. This led to the displacement of hundreds of residents, who are now seeking shelter along roadsides, waiting for water levels to recede. A similar distressing situation unfolded in Garissa County, where businesses, farms, and residences are submerged, causing significant disruptions to daily life.
Jacob Otieno, a mechanic, lamented, “Our business premises have been flooded for the last three days after heavy rains. We are stranded, and sources of livelihoods have been cut off,” during an interview with a local television station.
The KRC estimated that 2,000 individuals in the main town and 20,000 across Garissa County have been displaced, with a majority now residing in camps. Mohammed Abdikadir, the KRC regional manager, expressed concern over the growing humanitarian crisis, stating, “We are facing a humanitarian crisis as thousands in northern Kenya need assistance. The number is growing faster as rains continue.” He highlighted instances where floods have completely severed road access, isolating entire communities.
The KRC highlighted that 18 out of Kenya’s 47 counties have been affected by the floods.
In Isiolo County, residents faced the loss of livestock, including goats and sheep, to the deluge, rendering them homeless. This adds to the challenges for residents in counties like Makueni in eastern Kenya, who were already rebuilding their lives after a prolonged drought that concluded in April. The National Drought Management Authority (NDMA) reported the death of 2 million animals during the drought, emphasizing the hardship faced by the affected communities.
Despite expectations of improved conditions in arid areas with the onset of the October-to-December rainy season, the ongoing heavy rains are exacerbating the crisis, transitioning from drought to floods. As the intensity of the rains increases, more regions are anticipated to face the brunt, resulting in additional fatalities, destruction, and displacements.
Kilifi County along the coast and Budalangi in Busia, western Kenya, are on high alert due to the looming threat of flooding. In response, Kenya has established a National Emergency Response Committee to address the flood crisis. Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua stated, “Working with our development partners, counties, and other key agencies, we are distributing food and non-food items to tens of families affected to reduce their suffering,” on Friday.
Kenya, alongside Ethiopia and Somalia, is part of the Horn of Africa countries predicted to endure heavy rains and flooding between October and December, impacting millions. The International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) underscored that with 146 million people across 23 African countries already facing prolonged hunger, the El Nino-induced heavy rains heighten the threat.
