The Kenyan military has been mobilized to assist in rescue efforts as heavy rains wreak havoc across East Africa, claiming dozens of lives over the past month.
In Kenya alone, at least 45 people have lost their lives due to flooding since March, with an additional 10 fatalities reported since Monday, according to the Kenya Red Cross. Major urban centers like Nairobi are grappling with severe inundation, compelling thousands of residents to evacuate their homes.
The situation is dire, with heartbreaking stories emerging from affected communities. Collins Obondo, 38, recounted the tragic loss of several relatives in Nairobis densely-populated Mathare neighborhood. Amidst the wreckage of his mother’s collapsed house, Obondo described the harrowing scene of loved ones succumbing to the relentless floodwaters.
Neighboring Tanzania has also been hard hit, with Prime Minister Kassim Majaliwa informing parliament that the death toll has climbed to 155. Meanwhile, in Burundi, hundreds of thousands have been displaced by the deluge.
The catastrophic flooding is part of a broader pattern of extreme weather events that have plagued East Africa, exacerbated by the impacts of climate change. Scientists warn that rising global temperatures are fueling more frequent and severe storms, amplifying the devastation wrought by natural disasters.
In response to the crisis, Kenyan President William Ruto has authorized the deployment of the military to bolster rescue operations. Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua announced plans to activate a multi-agency emergency response center, acknowledging the urgent need for coordinated efforts to mitigate the unfolding disaster.
With above-normal rainfall projected for the coming week, East Africa braces itself for continued challenges, underscoring the imperative for swift and effective intervention to safeguard lives and livelihoods in the region.