The recent floods in Kenya have had a devastating impact on Nairobi, leaving residents in a critical situation. In Mathare, an informal neighborhood, the population is facing significant human losses and material damage as a result of the torrential rains.
Homes have been swept away, leaving people like Cynthia Aoko homeless and without essential goods. The community is mourning the loss of lives and homes lost to the raging waters. Four bodies were recovered, and many houses have been isolated due to the flooding of the Nairobi River, forcing residents to seek temporary shelter.
Residents in Mathare are struggling with the absence of support from authorities, with many not knowing where they will sleep the next night. The floods are part of a broader regional issue, with East Africa experiencing heavy rainfall. In Kenya alone, 35 people have lost their lives, affecting over 100,000 individuals.
The extreme weather conditions, attributed to the positive Indian Ocean Dipole and El Niño, have led to floods and landslides. Solidarity and mutual aid are crucial in supporting affected communities. Authorities must coordinate efforts to ensure the safety of residents and implement preventive measures for future climate-related disasters.