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Drones deployed to assess El Nino impact in Garissa

East Africa, which until recently had been experiencing an unprecedented drought, has now experienced weeks of torrential rain and flooding linked to the El Nino weather phenomenon. (Photo: The Citizen)

By Yunis Dekow | Saturday, February 3, 2024

Drones are assessing the impact of the devastating floods triggered by the El Nino phenomenon in Garissa, Kenya. The International Center for Humanitarian Affairs (ICHA) has conducted 30 drone flights in Garissa to document and map out the extensive damage to farms and infrastructure.

The programme, supported by Kenya Red Cross Society (KRCS)-ICHA and the British Red Cross (BRC), in collaboration with KenyaflyingLabs, aims to bolster disaster readiness and execute effective responses in the affected areas.

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"As the teams conclude a rigorous seven-day mission in Garissa County, the collaborative endeavour underscores the significance of technology, partnerships, and proactive measures in addressing the complex challenges posed by natural disasters," said the ICHA.

The data collected during these missions will be crucial for making informed decisions in ongoing recovery efforts. The El Nino phenomenon has caused persistent rainfall, resulting in widespread destruction in the Horn of Africa, including Kenya.

The overflow of the Tana River in Garissa resulted in widespread devastation, severing vital infrastructure and leaving families in urgent need of humanitarian aid. The gathered data will inform ongoing recovery efforts and lay the groundwork for future disaster preparedness strategies.

Floods caused by heavy rains in North Eastern and the Highland of Kenya have impacted Garissa county, which borders Somalia. The floods have struck at a critical juncture, coinciding with a period when the predominantly pastoral county, home to 800,000 people, is grappling with food insecurity.

A significant portion of the population depends on international aid for sustenance during these challenging times. The Horn of Africa, still recovering from a severe drought that plunged millions into hunger, now grapples with heavy rainfall and floods attributed to the El Niño weather phenomenon.

The repercussions of this latest disaster extend across Kenya, Somalia, and Ethiopia.