East Africa's relentless rainfall brings tragedy and displacement
As per Kenya's Interior Ministry, at least 136 unfortunate souls lost their lives and half a million people were forced to flee their homes in Kenya. President William Ruto mentioned during the cabinet's emergency meeting that 38 out of 47 districts in Kenya have been under non-stop torrential rains since October, leading to avalanches, widespread flooding, and mudslides.
North and east coastal regions suffered the brunt of the damage, with houses and infrastructure taking a heavy toll. This includes the halt in cargo transport operations at Mombasa's port last month.
The intense downpours are primarily attributed to the El Niño phenomenon, which according to the Kenya Meteorological Department is expected to persist into the new year.
El Niño, an atmospheric disturbance originating in the equatorial Pacific, influences weather globally, fostering severe floods in East Africa, leading to landslides, an increase in waterborne diseases, and food shortages. Conversely, Northern and Southern African regions endure prolonged droughts during El Niño events.
The Horn of Africa, however, is one of the world's most susceptible regions when it comes to climate change influences. Experts predict a significant reduction in annual rainfall across the region as the planet warms, while the frequency and severity of heavy rains are expected to escalate. This means an increased likelihood of alternating droughts and floods within the Horn of Africa.
President Ruto has activated the National Disaster Operations Center for immediate relief measures. The Interior Ministry announced this week that the northern part of Kenya should expect a decrease in rainfall for the upcoming week.
President Ruto sighed about the grim truth and the devastation caused by climate change during his address at the COP28 conference in Dubai on Friday.
"As we see in many developing countries, the Horn of Africa lays bare the harsh reality of climate change," said Ruto. "Regardless of what unfolds, the people will suffer."
Facing Extremes – the Paradox of Plenty and Scarcity
The region has experienced these extreme weather conditions barely a few months since experiencing the worst drought in four decades.
"Just a few months ago, we were suffering from the effects of a severe drought, and now we are complaining about excessive rain," said Abdulkadir A, Communications Director of the Somalian Red Cross, speaking to CNN.
"People feel the pressure of both situations," added Afi.
The United Nations Humanitarian Office (OCHA) reported a raise of casualties to 110 in Somalia and 57 in Ethiopia due to the heavy downpours.
In northern Tanzania, hefty rainfall in Manyara Province led to the death of 49 individuals due to floods and landslides, according to local authorities.
At the behest of Tanzanian President Samia Suluhu Hassan, emergency response teams have been ordered to "aid in rescue and prevent further disasters."
Heavy downpours in East Africa have inflicted substantial damage on the Dadaab refugee camp in eastern Kenya, housing over 300,000 refugees. In the past three years, hundreds of new refugees have flocked to the camp, fleeing food insecurity and drought in Somalia.
In November, three out of 15 housing units in the Hagadra camp within the Dadaab complex were inundated, leading to the displacement of around 20,000 individuals, or approximately 13% of the Lager's population, according to international organizations such as the International Rescue Committee (IRC).
Waterborne Diseases on the Rise
Relief organizations have reported a surge in waterborne diseases such as cholera and acute watery diarrhea due to ruined toilets and the lacking access to clean drinking water.
IRC announced that emergency relief efforts to provide food, clean water, and medical aid for the most affected communities in the region have been hampered due to damaged roads and blocked access.
"This is a deeply concerning reminder of the disproportionate impacts and a call to action for us all to act swiftly, with solidarity and inclusion," said Joe English, a spokesperson for IRC.
References:
- Climate.gov
- ReliefWeb
