Kenya’s military was deployed on Thursday to rescue victims of heavy rains that have killed dozens of people across East Africa over the past month.
The Kenya Red Cross reported at least 45 deaths in Kenya due to floods since March, including 10 fatalities since Monday. The floods have submerged large parts of the capital Nairobi and other major towns, prompting thousands of residents to flee their homes.
Collins Obondo, 38, tragically lost at least four relatives in the flooding on Wednesday in Nairobi’s densely-populated Mathare neighborhood, which borders the Nairobi River.
The region experienced record floods during the last rainy season in late 2023. Scientists attribute these extreme weather events to climate change, noting increased intensity and frequency.
Kenyan President William Ruto announced the military’s deployment during a meeting with senior government officials. His deputy, Rigathi Gachagua, confirmed the activation of a multi-agency emergency response center on Thursday afternoon.
In recent days, at least 200 people were killed and dozens more injured across East Africa due to torrential rains, floods, and landslides, according to officials and aid groups. These disasters have compounded the challenges faced by the region, which is already grappling with the effects of climate change and inadequate infrastructure in impoverished areas.
The heavy rains have caused extensive damage in Tanzania, Kenya, and Burundi, flooding homes, destroying businesses, and leaving many people stranded on rooftops.
The floods have underscored the poor state of roads and drainage systems in some of the region’s largest cities, issues that residents have long complained about. The disasters have particularly affected poor residents in sprawling shantytowns, where lack of access to basic infrastructure exacerbates the impact of floods.
Raila Odinga, a prominent opposition figure in Kenya, urged authorities to learn from the ongoing devastation and implement long-term measures to protect lives.
“Investment in preparedness is crucial to averting a larger crisis,” Odinga said during a news conference. “We can do more than just seek help when the rains come; we must also plan for when they do not.”
In Tanzania, Prime Minister Kassim Majaliwa announced that at least 155 people were killed and 236 others injured by the relentless rain that has swept several parts of the country in recent days. The Tanzania Meteorological Authority has warned of continued heavy rains and strong winds in several areas in the coming days.
In Kenya, Munir Ahmed, senior communications officer with the Kenya Red Cross, reported at least 45 deaths and 27 injuries since the “long rains” season began in March. The flooding has also resulted in the loss of 4,000 livestock, destroyed 27,000 acres of crops, and damaged 22 roads. More than 66,000 people have been displaced nationwide.
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