Situational Report on the floods in Kenya

The East African region at large is currently facing an unprecedented climate crisis exacerbated by the El Niño weather phenomenon. Since March 2024, various regions across Kenya have experienced relentless rainfall, leading to catastrophic flooding across 33 counties. The impact of these floods has been devastating, resulting in significant loss of life, displacement of over 200,000 people, and widespread damage to infrastructure and livelihoods.

 

Humanitarian Response and Relief Efforts

In the wake of the devastating floods gripping Kenya, humanitarian organizations have mobilized to provide critical support and relief to affected communities. The Kenya Red Cross Society, Islamic Reliefand other organizations have been instrumental in delivering life-saving aid to those impacted by the floods.

Immediate needs such as food, cash assistance, medicine, clean water, and sanitation resources are being distributed to families and individuals who have been displaced or otherwise affected by the disaster. These efforts aim to address the most pressing needs of vulnerable populations and ensure access to essential services amid the ongoing crisis.

The response efforts have been multifaceted, with teams on the ground working tirelessly to reach remote and hard-to-access areas where flood damage has been particularly severe. Rescue operations, medical assistance, and emergency shelter provision are being coordinated to assist those in distress and provide a sense of security amidst the chaos.

Furthermore, humanitarian organizations are collaborating with local authorities and government agencies to coordinate relief efforts and optimize resource allocation. This collective response is essential in ensuring that assistance reaches all affected populations, regardless of their location or circumstances.

 

Impact on Communities and Infrastructure

The floods have caused extensive devastation on communities and critical infrastructure across the country. The human toll of this disaster has been profound, with over 166 fatalities reported and more than 23,500 households displaced reported by the Kenya Red Cross as of May 1, 2024. Additionally, the floods have disrupted educational activities, affecting 38 schools, and destroyed or damaged 13 health facilities, exacerbating an already strained healthcare system.

The agricultural sector, a lifeline for many Kenyan families, has suffered immensely, with approximately 35,828 acres of crops affected by flooding. Livestock losses are also substantial, with over 7,800 animals reported killed. The destruction of water sources, including wells and boreholes, has further compounded the challenges faced by affected communities in accessing clean water.

In urban areas, the flooding has caused extensive damage to roads, with 45 routes destroyed or rendered impassable. Businesses, particularly in low-income neighborhoods like Mathare and Kariobangi in Nairobi, have been severely affected, disrupting local economies and livelihoods.

Source: Kenya Red Cross

The impact on infrastructure extends beyond immediate physical damage. Disrupted transportation networks have hampered emergency response efforts, making it difficult to reach isolated communities in need of assistance. Furthermore, the destruction of critical infrastructure such as bridges and water treatment facilities has exacerbated vulnerabilities and impeded recovery efforts.

The Maasai Mara game reserve, a renowned tourist destination, has not been spared, with tourists and workers stranded due to the Mara River bursting its banks.

Communities living in flood-prone areas are particularly vulnerable, facing repeated cycles of displacement and loss. The cumulative impact of successive floods highlights the urgent need for comprehensive disaster preparedness and resilience-building measures to mitigate future risks and protect vulnerable populations.

 

Challenges and Lessons Learned

The ongoing floods have presented numerous challenges for disaster response and highlighted critical lessons for future preparedness and mitigation efforts. Some of the key challenges faced include:

1. Limited resources and capacity: The scale of the disaster has stretched existing resources and response capacity, underscoring the need for enhanced investment in disaster preparedness and response infrastructure.
2. Accessibility and logistics: Flooded roads and damaged infrastructure have hindered access to affected areas, complicating rescue and relief operations and delaying the delivery of critical aid.
3. Vulnerability of informal settlements: Informal settlements that lack adequate drainage and infrastructure, have been disproportionately affected by flooding, highlighting the need for inclusive and resilient urban planning.
4. Displacement and vulnerable populations: The displacement of thousands of households has exposed vulnerable populations, including women, children, and the elderly, to heightened risks and challenges in accessing essential services.
5. Inadequate early warning systems: Despite meteorological forecasts warning of heavy rainfall and flooding, gaps in early warning systems have compromised timely alerts and evacuation efforts.
6. Coordination and collaboration: Effective coordination among government agencies, humanitarian organizations, and local communities is essential for a comprehensive and cohesive response to disasters of this magnitude.
7. Long-term resilience building: The floods underscore the imperative of long-term resilience-building measures, including sustainable land use practices, improved water management, and climate adaptation strategies.

 

How to Get Help and Get Involved

During times of crisis like the ongoing floods in Kenya, it is crucial to have access to emergency contact information and know how to contribute to relief efforts. Here are important emergency numbers and ways to get involved:

1. Emergency hotline: If you are in need of urgent assistance or want to report a flood-related incident, contact the Kenya Red Cross Society's toll-free number at 1199.
2. Reporting flood incidents: Help map out the effects of climate change and contribute to disaster response efforts by submitting reports via the Ushahidi Platform. You can use the "Add new post" button on the platform's map interface to share information about flooding incidents in your area. Please submit a report here:https://climateactionke.ushahidi.io/map .
3. Social media engagement: Join the conversation and share updates using the hashtags #floodske and #floodskenya to raise awareness and connect with others affected by the floods.
4. Mobile apps: Use the Ushahidi mobile apps on Android and iOS to report flood incidents and contribute to the mapping of climate-related impacts. Download the apps from the following links:
   • Google Play Store:Ushahidi Mobile App for Android
   • Apple App Store:Ushahidi Mobile App for iOS

By actively engaging in reporting and sharing information through these channels, you can play a vital role in supporting relief efforts and helping communities affected by the floods. Together, we can leverage technology and community participation to build resilience, respond effectively to disasters, and protect vulnerable populations from the impacts of climate change. Let's stand together and make a difference in the face of this crisis.