Rising Waters, Displaced Lives: Kenya’s Flood Crisis and The Affected Communities
A passenger is rescued from a submerging Matatu following heavy downpour witnessed in Nairobi and its outskirts.
Photo Credit: Enos Teche
Heavy rainfall and flooding across the country has caused significant damage to homes and infrastructure. Several people have lost their lives due to the floods check. The country has been experiencing heavy rainfall for several weeks and the El Nino weather pattern has worsened the situation. Roads have turned into rivers, stranding vehicles and forcing people to wade through waist-high water to seek safety. The floods have hit the slum areas of Nairobi, Kenya’s capital, the hardest.
Kenya is a country that is often affected by floods – especially during the rainy seasons. Despite the efforts made by local authorities to collaborate with communities to minimize the impact of potential flooding, both urban and rural areas remain at risk.
As a result, non-governmental organizations and humanitarian agencies are always prepared to provide assistance in response to such disasters. These organizations, including the Share Some Love Foundation, work tirelessly to help those affected by the floods. They provide food, shelter, and other essential items to ensure that flood victims can recover from the disaster and get back on their feet.What is Behind The Catastrophic Rainfall in Kenya? (The El Niño Phenomenon)
Pedestrians clung to the back of a bus to avoid a flooded section of a road in Nairobi.
Photo Source: Tony Karumba/AFPEl Niño, a complex weather pattern that occurs every 2-7 years, is known to cause an increase in sea surface temperatures in the Pacific Ocean. It leads to a range of climatic disturbances such as droughts, floods, and wildfires in various parts of the world.
Kenya has witnessed several instances of the El Niño phenomenon over the years. Some of the most notable ones occurred in 1997, 2006, 2015, and 2019. These occurrences of El Niño have been marked by intense rainfall, floods, and landslides.
The disastrous El Niño rains of 1997, which resulted in 300 fatalities and damages worth $670 million, still linger in the memories of many Kenyans. The agricultural and infrastructure sectors of the economy also experienced losses of $236 million and $670 million, respectively.
Despite the various efforts by the government and other stakeholders to mitigate the effects of El Niño, it continues to remain a significant natural phenomenon that requires constant monitoring and preparedness.
Combined Effects of El Niño and the Ongoing March-May 2024 Long Rains
Kenya has been experiencing widespread flooding due to the combination of El Niño and the ongoing March-May 2024 long rains. El Niño, characterized by warmer-than-average sea surface temperatures in the equatorial Pacific Ocean, typically brings increased rainfall to East Africa during the long rain season.
According to the Kenya Meteorological Department, above-normal rainfall has been recorded in various parts of the country due to the convergence of El Niño conditions and the long rains. The increased rainfall has resulted in river overflows, flash floods, and landslides, causing damage to homes, infrastructure, and displacement of communities.
The recent floods have caused widespread damage and inflicted numerous challenges on the people living in the affected areas. These include:
Breeding Grounds for Mosquitoes and Other Insects
The inundation has created breeding grounds for mosquitoes and other insects, which can transmit diseases such as malaria, dengue, and cholera, making it difficult for individuals to maintain health and hygiene. Moreover, agricultural activities have been hindered, causing farmers to encounter difficulties in cultivating crops and caring for their livestock. This situation could potentially lead to food shortages, exacerbating the struggle for food security. As a result, prices may rise, further complicating access to adequate nutrition.
Impacted Access to Essential Services
The floods have also severely impacted access to essential services like healthcare and education. Damage to hospitals and clinics has compromised healthcare delivery, hindering healthcare workers’ ability to provide assistance to those in need. Furthermore, many individuals have been forced to leave their homes, relocating to temporary shelters where access to clean water, proper sanitation, and healthcare is limited.
Flood Response Efforts
The Share Some Love Foundation staff delivering donations to the Kenya Red Cross.
Photo: Share Some Love Foundation
As floods continue to wreak havoc in the country, humanitarian partners are working tirelessly with the government to intensify response efforts. The situation on the ground is challenging and requires immediate action to address the most pressing requirements of the affected communities.
One of the most urgent needs is shelter. Many families have lost their homes and are now living in makeshift shelters, exposed to the elements. The provision of safe and adequate shelter is critical to protect them from further harm and ensure their safety and security.
In addition to shelter, there is also a significant need for non-food items such as blankets and clothing. Many people have lost all their belongings and are in dire need of these basic necessities to keep warm and maintain their dignity.
Furthermore, access to basic necessities like food, water, sanitation, and hygiene services is crucial to prevent the spread of disease and ensure the health and well-being of the affected communities. Many areas are still cut off from these essential services, making it challenging for people to meet their basic needs.
Overall, the scale of the disaster is enormous, and the recovery efforts will require significant resources and time. However, by working together and mobilizing the necessary support, we can help the affected communities to recover and rebuild their lives.
Solidarity in the Face of Adversity
During times of crisis, it becomes increasingly important to demonstrate solidarity and compassion towards each other as a global community. As we witness the devastating impact of the ongoing floods in Kenya, it is imperative that we come together and offer our support and assistance to those who have been affected by this tragedy.
By extending your hand of support, we can help rebuild the lives of those who have lost everything, restore their hope, and contribute towards building a more resilient future for all. Together, we can make a meaningful difference and help those in need during this challenging time.
How the Share Some Love Foundation is Helping
The Share Some Love Foundation is deeply concerned about the well-being of the residents in Nairobi who have been affected by the recent floods. Many families have been displaced from their homes and are facing dire circumstances. In light of this, we would like to extend our support by helping to distribute donations to those in need.
We are kindly requesting your assistance in this humanitarian effort. Your donations of non-perishable food items such as canned foods, grains, and dry fruits, clothing such as jackets, sweaters, and socks, bedding such as blankets, pillows, and bed sheets, and any other necessary items such as hygiene products, baby supplies, and household essentials will go a long way in providing relief to the affected individuals and families.
Our team is working tirelessly to ensure that the donations are distributed fairly and efficiently to those in need. We believe that by joining hands, we can make a significant difference in the lives of those affected by the floods. Let’s work together to bring a smile to their faces during this difficult time and provide them with the necessary support to get back on their feet.
If you wish to make a monetary donation, you can send it to Paybill number 247247, account number 0726999296. Your support will be greatly appreciated. For more information on how to donate, please feel free to contact us through our social media page at sharesomelove_foundation. Alternatively, you can give us a call at +254726999296 if you prefer to speak with someone directly. Thank you in advance for your generosity and support.
Editor: David Kaguima
CEO, Share Some Love Foundation
Author: Festus Shigoli
Versatile SEO Content Writer | Ghost Writer for busy CEOs | Expert in Technical/SaaS, B2B Markets | Dedicated Researcher | Creative Songwriter +254728615585 kolloh.ke@gmail.com