Dams Overflow: Extreme Climate Events Cause Havoc in Kenya

In response to ongoing heavy rains, the Kenyan government has taken decisive action, ordering residents living near 178 dams and reservoirs to evacuate immediately.

The interior ministry sounded the alarm, warning that these water bodies are at risk of overflowing, posing a grave danger to nearby communities.

Residents residing within the vicinity of these water bodies, along with those within a 30m wetland corridor of the Nairobi River, received a 24-hour evacuation notice, effective from 18:30 local time on Thursday. Those who fail to comply face potential forcible evacuation.

Recent heavy rains have unleashed severe flooding and landslides across Kenya and Tanzania, exacerbating an already dire situation.

President William Ruto issued a warning, expressing concerns about a potential cyclone, named Hidaya, which could wreak havoc with torrential rain, strong winds, and dangerous waves along the Kenyan coast.

The toll of the disaster is staggering, with over 210 fatalities reported in Kenya since March, along with numerous others missing. Tanzania and Burundi have also faced significant casualties due to the adverse weather conditions.

The devastation includes a tragic mudslide in Kenyan villages near Mai Mahiu, claiming the lives of at least 50 individuals while they slept.

President Ruto underscored the gravity of the situation, highlighting the persistent rainfall and its expected intensification in the coming weeks.

Nairobi is projected to bear the brunt of the impending storm, according to the Kenyan meteorological department.

The interior ministry emphasized the urgency of the situation, citing fully saturated soils across the country, which could exacerbate the flooding.

In response, temporary shelters, food, and essentials are being provided to evacuees at designated assembly points.

The evacuation mandate extends to areas near critical water bodies, including the Nairobi Dam and Titanic Dam. Additionally, structures within the Nairobi River wetland area are slated for removal.

Amid the crisis, President Ruto ordered the continued closure of schools until further notice, prioritizing the safety of students amidst the ongoing flooding.

However, the government’s response has drawn criticism for perceived delays in addressing the unfolding disaster.

Despite challenges, efforts are underway to provide assistance to affected individuals. The government has set up more than 100 camps to accommodate over 27,500 people.

However, this falls short of meeting the needs of the over 190,000 individuals affected by the floods, as reported by government data.

President Ruto defended his administration’s response, emphasizing a whole-of-government approach in addressing the crisis.

Cabinet resolutions underscore the commitment to implementing measures, programs, and policies aimed at mitigating the effects of climate change.

Climate change, attributed to warmer surface temperatures and the Indian Ocean Dipole phenomenon, exacerbates weather patterns, leading to increasingly erratic and severe conditions.

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