Anxiety grips Coastal residents amid rising sea levels

Coastal residents and tourism stakeholders are expressing concerns about the increasing threat of rising sea levels.

This is after the Kenya Marine and Fisheries Research Institute issued a warning following ocean water that has flooded hotels in Mombasa and some villages.

They mention they are worried because their homes and businesses near the water are at risk.

Protecting coastal areas is becoming a top priority for them.

In the village of Vanga, Kwale residents face the looming threat of rising tides endangering their homes and livelihoods.

As floodwaters engulf several villages in Vanga and Wasini Island near Shimoni in Lunga Lunga, Kwale County, concerns mount among the residents.

Despite the protective seawall, constructed to shield the villages from flooding, its failure has left homes submerged and lives disrupted.

A view of the Masinga Dam which has reached full capacity. (Photo: TARDA)

"Our homes are now underwater. We never imagined the seawall could falter," said Saida Hassan, one of the residents.

Another resident, John Otieno expressed his worry stating that they desperately needed assistance.

“This happened so fast, we have been left stranded since these are our homes. We are worried as days go by it keeps getting more difficult to reside in these areas of Vanga,” he said.

Seven-Forks hydro-electric dams

Meanwhile, the panic spread to Tana River and Lamu counties after Interior Cabinet Secretary Kithure Kindiki warned that River Tana is likely to burst its banks and cause flooding in Garissa, Tana River and Lamu counties after the filling up of Seven-Forks hydro-electric dams.

Masinga Dam starts spilling after reaching full capacity. However, the Tana and Athi Rivers Development Authority (TARDA) says that buffer zones surrounding the dams have been safeguarded to prevent any potential risks. pic.twitter.com/FMu6AQRCpF

— The Eastleigh Voice (@Eastleighvoice) April 18, 2024

The CS said the Seven-Forks Hydro-electric Power Dams were filled up

Tourism Players and hoteliers have also expressed concern about the mounting threat of rising sea levels.

The CEO Kenya Association of Hotel Keepers and Caterers (KAHC) Mike Macharia said they have not yet received any reports of flooding, however, he cautioned hoteliers to take precautions and be on the lookout.

“We have not received any reports of flooding from our members but they have taken heed of the warning and are taking the necessary precautions. We will continue to monitor the situation,” he said.

A maize farm submerged by floods in Garsen, Tana River County on April 11, 2024. (Photo: Kenya Coast Guard Service)

Mohamed Hersi, the former Chair of the Kenya Tourist Federation, emphasised the impact of deforestation and sand harvesting on environmental challenges.

He highlighted how the loss of trees in water catchment areas, along with extensive sand harvesting in various regions, exacerbates issues like floods and landslides.

Mohamed also pointed out the consequences of urbanisation, citing Nairobi's transformation into a concrete jungle, leading to water runoff and limited absorption, which contributes to flooding.

"Regarding coastal concerns, though ocean levels haven't caused significant hotel flooding yet, localised incidents occur due to factors like tidal movements," he said.

However, he emphasised the reality of global warming and its intertwined consequences, urging action to address deforestation and unsustainable practices like charcoal production.

Mombasa Speaker Aharub Khatri has also urged MCAs to sensitise citizens living in low-level areas prone to floods to vacate to high-level areas.