In 2024, torrential rains led to devastating floods in Mathare, Nairobi, displacing over 7,000 individuals by April according to Save the Children. The floods highlighted the vulnerability of informal settlements and the disproportionate impact on women and children. In addition to physical losses, survivors face ongoing struggles with housing and sanitation, exacerbated by government relocation mandates. Initiatives aimed at urban rehabilitation show promise, but long-term infrastructure and support are essential for recovery and resilience.
In 2024, the Nairobi informal settlement of Mathare faced devastating floods during the March-to-May rainy season. These floods resulted in significant loss of life and property, with Save the Children reporting over 7,000 displaced individuals by late April. Residents still struggle with the aftermath of the disaster months later, grappling with both physical and psychological impacts.
Doreen Achieng, a resident of Mathare, recalls the night of the flood when water rapidly engulfed her home. Despite being accustomed to minor flooding, on this occasion, the water rose to three meters, forcing her and her children to seek refuge in the chaos. Tragically, Achieng lost her home and possessions, with many neighbors perishing in the flood.
The report from the Kenya Red Cross indicated that the floods claimed 294 lives, displaced 55,000 households, and caused extensive damage to livestock and crops. Poor informal settlements like Mathare, Kibera, and Mukuru were particularly vulnerable due to their location and infrastructure challenges.
Edward Okoth, another flood victim, described the hardships faced in displacement camps, where food was scarce, and struggles for sustenance were commonplace. This climate disaster, intensified by the El Niño phenomenon, underscores the susceptibility of impoverished communities in Africa to extreme weather conditions.
The expansion of Kenya’s informal settlements has increased the risk of flooding and heatwaves, which are exacerbated by climate change. The Kenya Meteorological Department has reported the growing dangers posed by climate change, especially to lower-income regions, following a severe drought in 2022.
Sharon Dimanche from the International Organization for Migration highlighted the escalating issue of displacement in the Horn of Africa due to climate-induced disasters. By September 2024, more than 20 million individuals were displaced in the region, with Kenya becoming a key destination for migrants facing these challenges.
The impact of the floods particularly affected women and children, with a UNICEF report noting heightened risks for breastfeeding mothers and infants. Many families reported neglect and educational interruptions for their children following the disaster, with a significant number not returning to school during the last term.
Residents faced additional hardships as the government mandated relocations from flood-prone areas, leading to forced evictions and demolitions of homes. Many were disheartened by the destruction of their communities and sanitation facilities, compelling some to revert to dangerous practices for waste disposal, which posed additional health risks.
Amid adversities, survivors have shown resilience in rehabilitating their environments. They are transforming previously devastated areas into vegetable gardens, while also participating in the government’s ClimateWorX initiative aimed at river ecosystem restoration and job creation.
The initiative has expanded, seeking to create more job opportunities as survivors express their urgent need for sustainable support. Moreover, community involvement in urban development planning is essential to create resilient infrastructure against future disasters, ensuring preparedness and prevention measures are in place.
The aftermath of the floods in Mathare exemplifies the urgent need for sustainable solutions and community involvement in urban planning to prevent future disasters. Survivors have shown remarkable resilience, transforming their surroundings for better livelihoods. However, long-term support and better infrastructure are crucial in addressing the vulnerabilities highlighted by these extreme weather events and ensuring that communities are better prepared for future challenges.
Original Source: dialogue.earth
