The 2024 floods in Mathare, Kenya, caused extensive destruction, displacing thousands and leading to significant loss of life and livelihood. Residents like Doreen Achieng lost their homes and businesses, while women and children suffered disproportionately from the aftermath. The government’s forced relocations added to their struggles, highlighting the urgent need for sustainable solutions and support for affected communities.
In the aftermath of the 2024 floods in Kenya, the informal settlement of Mathare in Nairobi exhibits significant devastation. A period of torrential rains from March to May resulted in catastrophic flooding, displacing over 7,000 residents, as per reports from Save the Children. The community is grappling with profound losses and is often highlighted in discussions about climate vulnerability across Africa.
Doreen Achieng, a resident and mother of four, recounts the terrifying night her house succumbed to the floodwaters, which rose perilously high. The immediate aftermath saw her losing her home and livelihood as a food vendor, rendering her unable to support her children’s education. The floods tragically claimed many lives, with reports indicating 294 fatalities across Kenya during this period.
According to the Kenya Red Cross, the floods displaced approximately 55,000 households and caused extensive damage to livestock and farmland. Informal settlements, particularly Mathare, Kibera, and Mukuru, faced the brunt of this disaster, leading to dire conditions in makeshift displacement camps. Edward Okoth, a flood victim, recalls the struggle for food and resources in the camps.
The floods were exacerbated by the El Niño weather phenomenon, underscoring the vulnerabilities of impoverished communities to climate-related disasters. Areas prone to flooding often include the cheapest housing options, leading to increased risk for low-income residents. Historically, Kenya has oscillated between drought and flooding, further complicating the nation’s climate challenges, as evidenced by previous years of severe drought culminating in food insecurity.
Sharon Dimanche from the International Organization for Migration, noted a significant rise in migration due to environmental factors, with displaced individuals in the East and Horn of Africa markedly increasing. She emphasized that climate change significantly contributes to this cycle of displacement, with Kenya receiving many of those affected.
The 2024 floods disproportionately impacted women and children, with UNICEF reporting heightened risks for vulnerable populations such as breastfeeding mothers and young children. The emergency worsened pre-existing vulnerabilities, according to findings from Save the Children, which surveyed the aftermath in Nairobi’s sub-counties. Children faced increased exploitation, neglect, and typically did not return to school following the crisis.
Residents are faced not only with physical and economic hardships but also with emotional trauma from the floods. The government’s response to relocate individuals from flood-prone areas added to their suffering, as it resulted in forced evictions and home demolitions. Many hoped to rebuild their lives on the riverbanks before being displaced again, which has further parameterized sanitation issues across the settlement.
Resilience is evident as some survivors transform former home sites into vegetable gardens, while others participate in initiatives such as the ClimateWorX project aimed at rehabilitating the river ecosystem. The government plans to expand job creation efforts within the program to assist displaced individuals. Community leaders stress the need for sustainable infrastructure investments to prevent future catastrophes and to support vulnerable populations.
Easter Okech from the Kenya Female Advisory Organization advocates for more proactive government measures and community involvement in urban development planning. The lasting scars of these floods are undeniable, yet there is a shared hope among Mathare residents that collaborative efforts can foster resilience to better address future challenges.
In conclusion, the disasters in Mathare reveal the urgent need for responding to climate change challenges and supporting affected communities. With the combined efforts of NGOs, government initiatives, and community resilience, there is potential for rebuilding lives and establishing sustainable solutions to mitigate future disasters.
The 2024 floods have significantly impacted the Mathare community, emphasizing the pressing need for enhanced support and infrastructure to combat climate change effects. Dispersing aid and forming sustainable initiatives are critical for recovery and resilience in vulnerable communities. Collaborative efforts and advanced planning will be vital in addressing future challenges and reducing the risks associated with such natural disasters.
Original Source: dialogue.earth
