El Nino Rains: Over 100 Dead, 700,000 Displaced in Horn of Africa

NAIROBI, Kenya – The Horn of Africa is grappling with devastating flash floods, which have claimed the lives of at least 111 people, including 16 children, and displaced over 770,000, as per reports from Save the Children. The persistent heavy rains show no signs of abating, intensifying the crisis.

Kenya’s northern counties and Nairobi have been severely impacted by relentless rainfall, leading to extensive flooding. Since the onset of the rainy season less than a month ago, an estimated 36,000 individuals have been displaced, and 46 lives lost. Tragically, two young boys drowned in separate incidents in Nairobi, where overflowing rivers have inundated informal settlements.

In Somalia, the situation is equally dire. The central town of Beledweyne is now submerged following the Shabelle River’s overflow, displacing approximately 250,000 people, nearly 90% of the town’s population. Overall, floods have claimed 32 lives, including eight children, in Somalia, displacing more than 456,000 people nationwide. The Bay region, in South West State, has been particularly hard hit, with 37% of the over 1.24 million affected individuals residing there.

Ethiopia is also facing severe challenges. Continuous downpours in the Gambella, Afar, and Somali regions have triggered floods, landslides, and displacements. In Ethiopia, the floods have resulted in at least 33 deaths, including eight children, primarily caused by drowning during escape attempts.

These floods are part of a series of extreme weather events that have recently afflicted the Horn of Africa, placing children and communities at the forefront of the global climate crisis. The El Nino weather pattern is responsible for these unusual rains and floods, following the worst drought in 40 years and five failed rainy seasons, which have devastated livestock and crops, pushing the region to the brink of famine.

Save the Children is urging for immediate national and international intervention to address the extensive displacement in Kenya, Ethiopia, and Somalia. Many displaced families, including thousands of children, are in dire need of emergency supplies like food, shelter, clean water, and sanitation facilities.

Mohamud Mohamed Hassan, Save the Children’s Country Director for Somalia, emphasized the urgency of action to protect children and mitigate long-term impacts. Yvonne Arunga, Country Director for Kenya, highlighted the particular vulnerability of children, stressing the need for increased support and proactive measures. Xavier Joubert, Country Director for Ethiopia, pointed out the risks of waterborne diseases and the necessity of funds for humanitarian crisis anticipation and the continuity of essential services.

Save the Children is actively engaged in relief efforts across the region, providing cash assistance, distributing essential items, and running health and nutrition services. The organization has a longstanding presence in the Horn of Africa, with over 70 years of experience in humanitarian and development work, reaching millions of people, including children, each year.

GAROWE ONLINE