08 Nov Floods destroys East Africa homes

Floods have torn through East Africa following torrential downpours, affecting tens of thousands across Kenya, Somalia and Ethiopia.

Reecent torrential downpours in Kenya have left hundreds of thousands of people displaced, with their properties and wares destroyed by the rising tide which took the usually dry country by surprise over the weekend.

Not only have people been displaced, but this is a direct attack against Africa’s food security, according to the Kenyan Red Cross Society, over 1,000 livestock animals were killed and at least 241 acres of agricultural farmland have been destroyed due to the flash flood.

According to local media, 4,000 families have been forced to leave their homes.

A spokesman at the Kenyan Red Cross stated: “[This is] a stark reminder of the current nature of our climate and the need for adaptive and sustainable solutions.”

Rescue teams are currently mobilized and working to save as many lives as possible, assisting with relocation.

Flash flooding is affecting neighbouring states Somalia and Ethiopia as well.

According to Ethiopia’s regional government, more than 20 people have died and over 12,000 others have been forced out of their homes.

Meanwhile, in Somalia, it is estimated that during this rainy season, which runs between October and December, more than 113,000 people will be displaced, and hundreds of thousands will be “temporarily affected” by the lack of clean water, electricity, heat and mobility available to them during this period.

As the region continue to combat this threat, Security & Fire Africa will continue to report.

The Kenyan Red Cross can be reached at: https://www.redcross.or.ke/