Over 120 dead as widespread floods continue affecting Kenya

Heavy rainfall continues affecting Kenya, causing widespread flooding. As of November 28, 2023, the floods have claimed at least 120 lives in 38 counties, with Tana River, Garissa, Wajir, and Mandera Counties bearing the brunt of the disaster. The crisis has affected over 500 000 people and displaced almost 90 000 households (around 360 000 individuals). Key infrastructure, including parts of the Garissa-Nairobi Highway, is severely impacted, and authorities are monitoring the Tana River’s major dams. Forecasts predict continued heavy rainfall, exacerbating the already dire situation.

Kenya is currently experiencing one of its worst flooding disasters in recent history. Since early November, relentless heavy rains have caused significant river overflows, leading to catastrophic floods and landslides across the country.

As of November 29, the death toll stands at 120, with the most severe impact felt in Tana River, Garissa, Wajir, and Mandera Counties. These regions, among 38 affected counties, have witnessed the displacement of nearly 90 000 households, translating to around 360 000 people forced to leave their homes due to the rising waters.

The flooding has caused extensive damage to infrastructure and livelihoods. Key transport routes, notably parts of the Garissa-Nairobi Highway, have been closed, disrupting travel and aid delivery. Major dams along the Tana River are under intense scrutiny as they approach critical levels, posing additional risks to nearby communities.

The Kenyan government, along with various humanitarian organizations, is scrambling to provide relief and support to those affected. However, the efforts are hampered by the extensive scale of the disaster and the ongoing inclement weather.

Meteorological forecasts predict more heavy rainfall across Kenya over the next 48 hours, including in the already flood-stricken areas. This anticipated downpour is expected to worsen the situation, with the potential for further floods, landslides, and infrastructural damage. The focus remains on emergency evacuations, providing shelter to the displaced, and ensuring access to basic necessities like food, clean water, and medical supplies.

Neighboring countries, including Ethiopia and Somalia, are also grappling with severe weather conditions. In Ethiopia’s Somali region, devastating flash floods have resulted in over 20 deaths and displaced more than 12 000 families at the beginning of the month. The region’s infrastructure, including bridges and roads, has been severely damaged, complicating rescue and relief operations. The Somali Regional State Communication Bureau has reported extensive losses to livestock, crops, and property, severely impacting the local economy.

Somalia is facing a similar flooding crisis, with the UN OCHA reporting that 2 million people have been affected, 746 000 displaced, and 96 lives lost as of November 29. The ongoing Deyr rainy season has resulted in the overflow of rivers, destruction of homes, and significant infrastructure damage, especially in the southwestern regions.

References:

¹ Kenya – Floods, update – DG ECHO – November 29, 2023

² Severe floods in Somalia affect 2 million, displace 746 000 and destroy 4 700 houses – The Watchers – November 29, 2023

³ ising death toll as floods wreak havoc in Ethiopia and Kenya – The Watchers – November 4, 2023

Featured image credit: africanews (stillshot)