The 2024 floods in Mathare, Kenya, caused widespread devastation, displacing over 7,000 people and claiming many lives. The floods highlighted the vulnerability of informal settlements to climate change. Survivors face challenges in recovery, including economic hardship and emotional trauma, exacerbated by government-imposed relocations. Yet, community resilience is evident as many seek sustainable recovery through initiatives like ClimateWorX. The situation calls for enhanced disaster preparedness and infrastructure development to mitigate future risks.
In 2024, the informal settlement of Mathare, situated beneath the Nairobi skyline, faced catastrophic flooding during the March-to-May rainy season. This deluge resulted in severe devastation, claiming numerous lives and displacing over 7,000 individuals, as reported by Save the Children a month after the incident. Dialogue Earth’s visit in October highlighted the community’s continued struggles to cope with the overwhelming destruction, which garnered widespread global attention.
Doreen Achieng, a mother of four, recounts her harrowing experience as floodwaters invaded her home, escalating to three meters overnight. Although she successfully rescued her children, the flood annihilated her belongings and her means of livelihood as a food vendor. With her business no longer viable, she now grapples with paying for rent and her children’s education.
The floods claimed 294 lives and displaced approximately 55,000 households across Kenya, with informal settlements like Mathare suffering the most. The Kenyan Red Cross reported that in addition to severe displacement, livestock losses reached 11,000, and agricultural damage affected 65,000 acres of farmland. The report emphasized Nairobi County’s extreme vulnerability, with informal settlements being particularly susceptible to natural disasters.
Edward Okoth, another flood victim, described his experience in a temporary shelter within a primary school, where resources were scarce. “Life was very difficult,” he recalls, indicating that food shortages led to desperate measures among displaced individuals, revealing the harsh realities they faced during the crisis.
The catastrophic floods, exacerbated by the El Niño phenomenon, exposed the fragility of African communities. El Niño, characterized by above-average water temperatures in the Pacific Ocean, disrupts weather patterns globally, increasing the risk of extreme weather events. Consequently, the development of informal settlements near hazardous areas heightens the exposure of urban populations to catastrophic flooding and heatwaves, as highlighted in recent reports on climate change impacts in Kenya.
Sharon Dimanche, chief of mission at the International Organization for Migration, points to the rising numbers of displaced individuals due to adverse weather conditions and conflicts. By September 2024, over 20 million people in the East and Horn of Africa had been displaced. She noted the need for robust strategies to protect these vulnerable populations, as Kenya continues to receive climate refugees from neighboring countries.
Women and children suffered the most during the flooding, with reports indicating severe risks for pregnant women and infants. The emergencies worsened existing vulnerabilities, as outlined by Unicef. A Save the Children report revealed that 31% of surveyed children faced neglect and many were forced to forgo schooling. Child labor emerged as a survival strategy, reflecting the dire situation families encounter.
In the wake of the floods, the residents of Mathare confront not only physical losses but significant emotional challenges, often lacking the opportunity to grieve amid their struggle for survival. Adding to their distress, government-mandated evacuations led to further displacements, with many homes bulldozed as authorities forced relocations in vulnerable areas. Edward Okoth lamented, “We were again left stranded with nowhere else to go.”
The situation was compounded by sanitation crises following the demolitions, as vital infrastructure was destroyed. Consequently, residents resorted to unhygienic practices, exacerbating their challenges. As the affected population awaited compensation from a recent court ruling, they faced the immediate threat of deteriorating public health conditions.
Despite overwhelming adversity, survivors in Mathare have demonstrated resilience. Many are transforming the ruined banks of the Mathare River into vegetable gardens, providing nourishment and income opportunities. Some also benefit from government initiatives, such as the ClimateWorX program, which aims to rehabilitate urban ecosystems while generating employment opportunities.
Kipchumba Murkomen, the cabinet secretary for the Ministry of Interior and National Administration, announced the expansion of the ClimateWorX program, doubling its workforce. The survivors expressed the necessity for sustainable solutions, including improved flood defenses and infrastructure, to adequately prepare for future disasters.
Easter Okech of the Kenya Female Advisory Organization criticized the government for lacking effective disaster preparedness. She urged for community involvement in urban planning, particularly in informal settlements.
In conclusion, the scars of the floods in Mathare will linger but, with sustained support and infrastructure improvements, the residents believe in their capacity to rebuild and better prepare for future challenges. The need for comprehensive strategies addressing climate vulnerabilities remains paramount, as the community strives towards resilience against ongoing threats.
In summary, the 2024 floods in Mathare, Kenya, resulted in significant loss of life and displacement, particularly impacting vulnerable populations like women and children. The aftermath has revealed the need for improved disaster preparedness and sustainable infrastructure development. Despite facing numerous challenges, the resilience of the community shines through as residents work towards recovery and adaptation, emphasizing the importance of continued support for affected populations. Resilience requires not only immediate aid but long-term strategies to fortify against future crises.
Original Source: dialogue.earth
