Torrential downpours leading to widespread flooding and landslides across Kenya have culminated in the death of at least 210 individuals, as confirmed by President William Ruto on Friday. He predicted that the rainfall’s intensity is likely to increase in the coming weeks. The flooding has caused significant destruction, including the collapsing of homes, roads, bridges, and other crucial infrastructure in Kenya, the largest economy in East Africa. The death toll surpasses that of the flooding influenced by the El Nino weather event of the previous year.
Regrettably, as per President Ruto’s statement on Kenyan television, the worst phase of this hazardous period is yet to arrive. He warned that meteorological forecasts present an ominous picture, and there’s a risk that Kenya might experience its first-ever cyclone.
The IGAD Climate Prediction and Applications Centre anticipates that Cyclone Hidaya will hit Tanzania, Kenya’s southern neighbour, on Saturday, bringing massive waves reaching nearly eight meters in height and ferocious winds of 165kph. William Ruto cautioned that Cyclone Hidaya is predicted to wreak additional devastation, accompanied by enormous downpours, strong winds, and intensely powerful waves.
Earlier this week, anticipating the eminent danger, the President directed residents dwelling in areas susceptible to landslides to relocate to safer locations. The government has suggested evacuation for those residing close to 178 dams and water reservoirs on the brink of overflowing and those based in informal settlements near rivers and streams. The reopening of all schools for the forthcoming term, previously scheduled for this week, has been put off indefinitely.
The government in Nairobi has arranged 115 shelter camps for the flood-affected evacuees. It is proactively coordinating with donors and humanitarian organisations to ensure the provision of food and non-food essentials to the victims. However, the response of the administration to the crisis has drawn ire from opposition parties and human rights groups. Human Rights Watch accused the officials on Thursday of neglecting to implement a prompt national response plan despite receiving a warning from the Kenya Meteorological Department a year prior, predicting the potential intensity of the El Nino-induced flooding.