Rain-Related Fatalities and Displacements
Torrential rains have wreaked havoc in East Africa, leading to tragic loss of life and widespread displacement.
*Tanzania: 155 deaths reported due to flooding and landslides in various regions. *Kenya: At least 13 fatalities from flooding in recent days. *Over 51,000 homes damaged in Tanzania, affecting 200,000 individuals. *Burundi: 96,000 people displaced due to incessant rainfall. *Somalia: Four casualties and tens of thousands affected by flash floods.
El Nino's Role in Extreme Weather
The El Nino climate phenomenon is a major factor behind the extreme rainfall affecting East Africa. It typically brings both higher temperatures and altered rainfall patterns, leading to drought in certain regions and torrential precipitation in others.
Previous El Nino Impacts in East Africa
El Nino has caused significant devastation in the region in the past:
*In December 2022, heavy rains triggered by El Nino resulted in over 89 deaths from landslides and flooding in Tanzania. *Over 1 million people were displaced by floods in Somalia. *From October 1997 to January 1998, major floods caused by El Nino rainfall killed over 6,000 people across five East African nations.
Government Responses
Authorities are actively responding to the crisis, including:
*Kenya: President William Ruto has urged citizens to be vigilant and evacuate from threatened areas. *Tanzania Prime Minister Kassim Majaliwa has highlighted the government's efforts to provide assistance and evacuate residents.
Ongoing Concerns
Rainfall is expected to continue for several months, posing ongoing challenges for affected communities. Forecasts indicate above-normal rainfall in Kenya in the coming week, raising concerns about further flooding and displacement.