East Africa has been ravaged by torrential rains and flash floods for several weeks, causing widespread devastation and displacement. The relentless downpours have claimed the lives of over 350 people and forced over 1 million to flee their homes across Somalia, Kenya, Ethiopia, and Tanzania.
In Kenya, the situation is particularly dire. At least 136 people have perished, and nearly half a million have been displaced, according to the Interior Ministry. Persistent rains since October have wreaked havoc across 38 out of 47 counties in the country.
Flash floods, general flooding, and mudslides have caused widespread damage to homes, infrastructure, and livelihoods. Cargo rail services from the port of Mombasa were disrupted last month due to severe flooding in the northeastern and eastern coastal regions.
The unusually heavy rains are attributed to the El Niño weather phenomenon, which is expected to continue into the new year, according to the Kenya Meteorological Department. El Niño, a climate pattern originating in the Pacific Ocean, has a significant impact on global weather patterns.
In eastern Africa, it often triggers severe flooding, landslides, and outbreaks of waterborne diseases, while exacerbating food shortages. Conversely, northern and southern regions of the continent frequently experience prolonged droughts during El Niño events.
The Horn of Africa is one of the world’s most vulnerable regions to climate change. While the overall annual rainfall is projected to decrease as global temperatures rise, the frequency and intensity of heavy rainfall events are expected to increase. This means the Horn of Africa may face more frequent and severe droughts alongside devastating floods.
In response to the crisis, President William Ruto has activated the National Disaster Operation Center to coordinate emergency relief efforts. The Interior Ministry has announced that a decrease in rainfall is expected in northern Kenya this week.
Addressing COP28 in Dubai, President Ruto eloquently captured the devastating impact of climate change on his region. “The situation in our Horn of Africa region, like many other developing countries, lays bare the harsh reality of climate change,” he stated.
As the region grapples with the aftermath of the floods, the international community must step up its support to help East Africa rebuild and adapt to the intensifying impacts of climate change.