Heavy rainfall over recent weeks has caused widespread flooding in various countries of East Africa. Fatalities, displacements and material damages have all been reported in areas of Somalia, Ethiopia, Kenya, Burundi and Malawi.

SOMALIA

As of 6 November 2023, more than 113,690 people have been temporarily displaced from their homes and up to 2,400 people are believed to be trapped by flood water in Luuq Godey, Minyara, Gumaro and surrounding villages, in Luuq district, Jubaland State. 

According to the U.N. Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (UN OCHA), heavy rainfall in parts of Somalia has resulted in the displacement of more than 113,000 people and has had a "temporary impact" on hundreds of thousands more. The affected areas encompass communities in Dolo Odo, which are in close proximity to the Genale River (also known as the Webi Jubba River) and the border with Somalia.

Kenya

Since late October 2023, Kenya has been hit by heavy rain, resulting in devastating floods in various regions including Mombasa and the counties of Mandera, Marsabit, Meru, Samburu, Isiolo, Turkana, and Busia, among others.

Floods in Kenya have affected 15,264 households, resulting in at least 15 deaths and significant damage to crops and livestock.

Communities in Mandera County, Kenya have been severely affected, with 4,000 families forced out of their homes. The Governor described the situation as dire, with lives lost, livestock perished, and properties damaged. Over 12,000 households are bearing the brunt of this catastrophe. The collapse of pit latrines raises concerns about waterborne diseases and the threat of a malaria outbreak. Additionally, approximately 80% of road infrastructure in Mandera County has been severely affected, hindering the flow of goods and services.

BURUNDI

The International Organization for Migration (IOM) in Burundi reported strong winds and heavy rain caused damages and displacements from 15 to 22 October 2023. Areas of Rutana and Gitega Provinces were impacted by heavy rains.

Heavy rain damaged buildings including churches, schools and houses in Kiyange in Kibago commune in Makamba Province, Burundi on 15 October 2023. At least 4 people died and 15 others were injured when a church wall collapsed. According to the provincial government's report, the heavy rain also caused significant damage to crops and agricultural land.

Further heavy rain from 23 to 26 October impacted areas of Cibitoke Province, affecting around 5,000 people and displacing around 1,500.

MALAWI

Flooding occurred in parts of Malawi from late October 2023 including in Nsanje District where the Thangadzi and Milole rivers broke their banks; and in Machinga District, where the Lingoni River overflowed.

Authorities reported displacements after homes were damaged in both districts. One fatality was reported in Nsanje District.

Original URL:

https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2023/11/6/kenya-flooding-kills-15-displaces-thousands