Fatshimetrie: News of the devastating floods in Kenya
Recent floods in Kenya have left a trail of destruction and desolation across the country. At least 35 people have lost their lives and many others are missing after a dam burst in the south of the country. Rescue teams are working to find survivors in the rubble and mud near Mai Mahiu, Nakuru County. Governor Susan Kihika warned that the death toll could rise significantly.
The tragedy comes amid heavy rains and devastating floods that have affected large areas of Kenya, killing at least 103 people and forcing thousands of residents from their homes since March. The situation in Mai Mahiu is particularly worrying, with floodwaters sweeping away people and homes.
Access to Mai Mahiu, located 32 kilometers north of the capital Nairobi, is made difficult due to the cutting of part of the road following recent torrential rains. Crews are working to clear debris to reach survivors and recover the bodies of victims. The Kenya Red Cross reported that several people were taken to a health facility in Mai Mahiu due to flash floods affecting Kamuchiri village.
Kenya faces a flooding crisis made worse by the combined effects of El Niño and long rains from March to May 2024. According to the Secretary General and CEO of the International Federation of Red Cross and Crescent Societies Red, Jagan Chapagain, El Niño triggered devastating floods and river overflows, causing more than a hundred deaths and widespread damage. Climate change is clearly to blame for this series of extreme weather events.
The human and material toll of the floods in Kenya is alarming, with tragic consequences for the population and the environment. Images from the disaster area show the extent of the damage, with residents trapped on roofs and trying to salvage what can be saved from homes devastated by the flash floods.
The floods spare no one, from schools to remote villages, forcing thousands of people to abandon their homes and belongings. Recent events in Kenya highlight the urgency of concerted action to address the challenges of climate change and natural risk management.
As the country strives to overcome this humanitarian crisis, it is crucial that the international community provides adequate support for emergency relief and long-term reconstruction. Kenya and other countries in the Horn of Africa region face major climate challenges that require an immediate and coordinated response.
In conclusion, the devastating floods in Kenya are a poignant reminder of the devastating consequences of climate change and the importance of acting together to protect vulnerable populations and prevent such tragedies in the future.