Resilience and Recovery in the Aftermath of Kenya’s 2024 Floods

In 2024, Mathare, an informal settlement in Nairobi, faced devastating floods displacing over 7,000 residents and resulting in significant loss of life and infrastructure. Many residents are struggling to recover from their losses, with women and children disproportionately affected. Government interventions have included temporary shelters, but long-term solutions for resilience and sustainable development are essential to prevent future disasters.

In 2024, the informal settlement of Mathare in Nairobi experienced devastating floods during the March-to-May rainy season. These floods resulted in significant loss of life and property, displacing over 7,000 residents according to Save the Children. By October, the community was still grappling with the aftermath of this disaster, as families struggled to recover from the destruction that attracted global media attention.

Doreen Achieng, a mother of four, recounted her harrowing experience during the floods when her home was inundated overnight. Despite her initial attempts to manage the situation, the rising waters overwhelmed her, resulting in the loss of her house and belongings. Tragically, she also lost neighbors in the flooding, compounding her distress and further complicating her ability to support her family as a food vendor.

The floods claimed approximately 294 lives in Kenya and displaced around 55,000 households. Informal settlements like Mathare, Kibera, and Mukuru faced the worst of the flooding, revealing a critical vulnerability to extreme weather exacerbated by climate change. Edward Okoth reminisced about the difficulties in temporary shelters, where food shortages drove people to desperate measures.

The El Niño weather phenomenon, linked to changing rainfall patterns, played a significant role in intensifying the floods. This unexpected climate pattern illustrates how African nations, particularly impoverished communities, remain at risk from severe weather events. As the urban population grows, more individuals inhabit high-risk areas with inadequate infrastructure.

Sharon Dimanche from the International Organization for Migration in Kenya noted that climate change is a driving force behind rising migration and displacement in the region. The number of displaced people in the East and Horn of Africa rose from 18.4 million to over 20 million within months, with many seeking refuge in Kenya. The ongoing climate crisis necessitates coordinated efforts among governments and humanitarian organizations to assist those affected.

Women and children were particularly vulnerable during the flooding, facing substantial challenges even before the disaster struck. Unicef reports highlighted that breastfeeding mothers, pregnant women, and infants faced heightened risks. In the aftermath, families experienced increased neglect, with many children unable to return to school. This situation led to mental health concerns and a rise in child labor as families struggled for survival.

In the wake of immediate hardship and loss, the government ordered relocations from high-risk areas and demolished homes as part of its response to the flooding. This action exacerbated the plight of residents, who found themselves homeless with little chance of rebuilding. Affected individuals, like Mr. Okoth, expressed frustration at their sudden displacement and the destruction of essential sanitation facilities, leading to further health risks.

Despite these challenges, some individuals have shown resilience by transforming former living spaces into vegetable gardens. Additionally, the Kenyan government’s ClimateWorX initiative offers financial support to those affected, aiming to rehabilitate urban river ecosystems while creating jobs. The expansion of this initiative signals the government’s willingness to address lingering issues post-flood.

Long-term solutions, including improved infrastructure and flood defenses, are essential for preventing future disasters. Community involvement in urban planning is critical, according to advocates like Easter Okech from the Kenya Female Advisory Organization, who criticized the government for its lack of preparedness. Although scars from this disaster remain, survivors in Mathare express hope that with proper support and education, they can build a better future.

In conclusion, the floods in Mathare during 2024 have profoundly impacted the lives of its residents, revealing the acute vulnerabilities of informal settlements to climate change. While immediate humanitarian responses have addressed pressing needs, such as shelter and food, ongoing support is crucial for psychological recovery and rebuilding. Moving forward, enhanced infrastructure and proactive urban planning are necessary to minimize future risks and ensure community resilience against climate-induced disasters.

Original Source: dialogue.earth