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Hundreds dead and displaced as devastating floods sweep IGAD region

A section of the B-9 road Mandera-Rhamu Road, which was cut off by floods for 12 hours, following heavy rains on April 22, 2024. (Photo: Adan Mohamed)

By Hanifa Adan | 27 Apr 2024

The report says that the devastating floods have killed hundreds, including children, in recent weeks, with more than 700,000 people displaced.

The Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) released a report highlighting the impacts of floods among its member states.

The Technical Report on the Ongoing Flood Impact in the IGAD Region, notes that the region is grappling with an unprecedented challenge of a climate emergency.

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"Heavy rainfall that has been recorded in the past few days, has caused widespread flooding in the region including Kenya and neighbouring countries like Ethiopia, Somalia, Tanzania and Burundi" reads the report.

The report says that the devastating floods have killed hundreds, including children, in recent weeks, with more than 700,000 people displaced.

In Kenya, persistent rainfall in the northern, central counties, and the capital Nairobi since the start of the rainy season less than a month ago has resulted in 76 deaths and displaced approximately 11,000 people, as reported by the Kenya Red Cross Society.

"The IGAD Secretariat acknowledges the profound challenges posed by these floods and expresses sincere compassion for those severely affected," the statement read. The organisation urged caution and emphasized the importance of adhering to safety measures and disaster preparedness protocols to prevent further harm.

In neighbouring Tanzania, weeks of relentless rain have triggered both flooding and landslides, leading to the deaths of 155 people and injuries to 236 others, the country's prime minister confirmed.

The situation is similarly grim in Ethiopia and Somalia, where heavy rainfall in the Ethiopian highlands and across Somalia has intensified, causing flash floods since April 19.

Burundi has also been severely affected, with the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (UN OCHA) reporting that around 96,000 people have been displaced by months of continuous rains.

Uganda is facing a crisis, with recent storms causing riverbanks to burst, resulting in two deaths and the displacement of several hundred villagers.

IGAD also extended its solidarity to Kenya following severe flash floods that have swept through the country, causing widespread devastation. In a statement released on April 26, IGAD expressed deep sympathy for the significant loss of life and extensive damage inflicted on property and infrastructure, affecting 24 of Kenya's 47 counties.

More Rains

Forecasts from the IGAD Climate Prediction and Applications Centre (ICPAC) warn of continued heavy rainfall across parts of Kenya, Uganda, Ethiopia, and Somalia, suggesting an ongoing risk of flooding into early May.

Notably, enhanced rainfall is expected in the eastern regions of the Greater Horn of Africa, increasing flood risks in critical areas such as the Juba-Shebelle basins and various urban centres.

"As floods continue to pose challenges in the region, IGAD remains committed to collaborating with its member states to address climate change through both mitigation and adaptation strategies," emphasized Dr Workneh Gebeyehu, IGAD's Executive Secretary.

He highlighted the ongoing threat of heavy rainfall and underscored the need for enhanced regional cooperation in early warning systems.

IGAD vowed to continue providing timely forecasts and advisory measures to protect lives and livelihoods, aiming to ensure a safer and more secure region for all.