Kenya is currently facing a devastating crisis as heavy flooding has wreaked havoc across the country, particularly in the capital city of Nairobi. The government has reported that at least 91 people are missing following weeks of intense rain and flash floods that have swept through various regions.
The town of Mai Mahiu, located northwest of Nairobi, has been severely impacted, with 76 individuals reported missing in the area. The flooding near Mai Mahiu was attributed to water surging through a blocked tunnel under a railway bridge, resulting in the tragic loss of 71 lives.
Additional reports indicate that 10 people are missing in Kenya's eastern region, with four in Nairobi County and one in the coastal region bordering the Indian Ocean. The floods have forced the displacement of nearly 191,000 Kenyans, with Nairobi County bearing the brunt of the crisis, accounting for 77% of all displacements in the country.
In response to the emergency, Kenyan President William Ruto has ordered the military to assist in search and rescue efforts for the missing individuals. The government has established 52 displacement camps to provide temporary shelter for those affected by the flooding.
The situation is further exacerbated by the weather forecast predicting continued rainfall from April 30 to May 6, which poses a significant threat of worsening the ongoing floods. The International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) has highlighted the compounding effects of El Niño and the current long rains season, contributing to the severe flooding crisis in Kenya.
The Horn of Africa region, including Kenya, has been identified as highly vulnerable to climate-related disasters. The recent heavy rains have also impacted neighboring countries such as Tanzania and Burundi.
Moreover, the aftermath of the floods in Kenya may have been aggravated by the preceding years of drought, which left the soil dry and hardened. This prolonged drought, exacerbated by climate change, had already inflicted significant damage to the country, leading to food insecurity and water shortages.
The government is actively providing assistance in the form of food, non-food items, rescue operations, and evacuation efforts to mitigate the impact of the floods on affected communities. The collaborative response from authorities and humanitarian organizations is crucial in addressing the immediate needs of those affected by the ongoing crisis.
