The El-Nino phenomenon has wreaked havoc across the East Africa Region leading to loss of lives, massive displacements, and destroyed infrastructure. A technical report by IGAD Climate Prediction and Applications Centre( ICPAC ) predicts that more rains are expected in the coming weeks.
The seasonal forecast for May- July 2024 predicts wetter than usual conditions expected over much of Sudan, South Sudan, Ethiopia, Eritrea, Djibouti, Somalia, Uganda, Western and Coastal Kenya, Burundi and Rwanda. These are countries already grappling with the ongoing effects of the climate crisis, including drought, conflict and global economic instability.
Approximately over, 315 people have lost their lives in Kenya and Tanzania following the heavy rains in the past week. Over 30,000 households have been adversely affected, with over 350,000 people displaced by floods and dozens injured and many more missing. Experts warn that the rains will continue and a looming food shortage is expected.
“There is so much water and loss everywhere! My heart goes out to the families and children affected by the El-Nino phenomenon that has wreaked havoc across the Region, particularly in Rwanda, Kenya, Tanzania, Burundi, Somalia and Ethiopia. The situation is causing so much devastation, massive displacements and destroying major infrastructure and homes. I can’t imagine how difficult it must be to cope with the loss of loved ones and the displacement from homes at the same time. World Vision is deeply concerned about the safety of the children who are more vulnerable in such situations, and we call on all responding agencies to prioritise the child”. Lilian Dodzo, Regional Leader World Vision East Africa.
World Vision is deeply concerned for children and families impacted by the massive floods which have affected communities and children where the organization serves. Schools have been postponed interrupting education and many people seeking refuge in schools which is concerning for us.
“As girls we are having a hard time, like now with my period, we don’t have pads, bathing is a problem we have to hide somewhere for us to shower outside, because we are many and mixed up with boys, we are afraid”. Celina a displaced child in kenya.
Children are extremely vulnerable to floods and are at risk of drowning, suffering respiratory infections, contracting communicable water-borne such as diarrhoea diseases, malaria or picking up skin infections associated with living in unsanitary conditions.
“Homes are submerged, and schools remain closed both out of fear of floods and due to being occupied by affected people. The biggest challenge lies in waterborne diseases, with many lives at risk if not controlled. The true toll on livelihoods and learning remains uncertain” Joseph Kamara Regional HEA director
Not only are flood disasters themselves stressful and frightening, but children can suffer psychological harm from the damage to their homes and possessions; from migration; the grief of losing loved ones; witnessing parents or caregivers under stress; neglect and abuse; and breakdowns in social networks, neighbourhoods, and local economies. The floods are interrupting children’s education by displacing families, destroying schools or classrooms get turned into evacuation and displacement centres for people who have lost their homes.
Mary, a resident of Mathare in Nairobi said, “We currently don’t have a plan. Most of the things we own have been swept away by the floods. My children are due to open school next week, they don’t have shoes, uniforms, and even a home to go back to”
As such WVI urgently call upon all parties responding to do more to protect children in the affected countries, create safe spaces for children and ensure their well-being.
World Vision has been responding to floods in Kenya since last December and is currently assessing and mobilising resources in various countries. World Vision Kenya is responding in Nairobi’s Mathare slum supporting the most affected 1000 households with cash transfers of Ksh10.3 million{USD 77,752}. Each targeted household has so far received Ksh 10,300 [USD 78} to enable them to purchase their immediate emergency needs. About 200 families currently sheltering at Mathare North Primary School will soon be homeless as schools open for the 2nd term on 7th May 2024. The response is expected to extend to other affected counties and areas adversely affected by the floods and targeted to reach 84,775 people and 14,129 households affected by the floods.
Gilbert Kamanga, National Director, World Vision Kenya said ‘we are aware that most of the counties we work in, 37 of them, have been affected by floods. We have started our response and have so far reached 1,000 households. We continue to partner with the government and other agencies to provide timely support to the affected people and we urge more people to join hands, especially the private sector to support us as we respond’