Eastern Africa: Heavy rains and flooding Flash Update #1 (3 May 2024)

HIGHLIGHTS

• Heavy rains and floods have affected more than 637,000 people, including 234,000 displaced, mainly in Kenya, Burundi, Somalia, Tanzania, Rwanda, and other parts of Eastern Africa.

• Tropical Cyclone Hidaya is expected to bring heavy rains to the coastal areas of Kenya and Tanzania Humanitarian partners are monitoring the situation, ready to respond.

• Governments and humanitarian partners are working closely to conduct search and rescue and providing lifesaving assistance in the affected countries.

• Weather forecasts indicate heavy rainfall, of more than 200 mm, is expected over some parts of central and western Kenya and central and north-western Somalia

SITUATION OVERVIEW

The impact of El Niño-induced heavy rains and flooding during the March to May rainy season have been devastating across the Eastern Africa Region. Torrential rains and flooding (both riverine and flash floods) in Burundi, Kenya, Somalia, Rwanda and Tanzania have resulted in the loss of lives, displacement, and destruction. Weather forecasts indicate increased rains in the coming few days as heavy rainfall, of more than 200 mm, is expected over some parts of central and western Kenya and central and north-western Somalia, according to the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) Prediction and Applications Centre for Eastern Africa. Tropical Cyclone Hidaya, which has formed over the South Indian Ocean, is likely to hit the coastal areas of Tanzania and Kenya. It will likely bring heavy rains and strong winds in Mtwara, Lindi, and Pwani (including the Mafia Islands), Dar es Salaam, Tanga, Morogoro, Ugunja, Pemba regions and neighboring areas in Tanzania. Humanitarian partners are monitoring the situation to be prepared for any needed response.

In Kenya, at least 210 people have lost their lives, 164 injured, 72 are missing, more than 205,000 people have been affected including 194,305 people who have been displaced, according to the National Disaster Operations Centre as of 3 May. Landslides and mudslides have occurred in Muranga and Nakuru counties. In Nakuru, the mudslide that occurred in Mai Mahiu on 29 April has claimed 52 lives as of 2 May. Search and rescue operations are still ongoing in Nakuru, Nairobi, Kirinyaga, Homa Bay and Tana River.

In Burundi, torrential rains have affected more than 179,200 people and forced more than 31,200 people to move from their homes due to flooding since January 2024. While 80 per cent of families in the country make a living from agriculture and related activities, 23,109 families reported having lost their crop fields. Estimates from the Food Sector indicate that nearly 40,000 hectares, which is about 10 per cent of the country's crop area for the 2024 agricultural season. The floods and the rise of Lake Tanganyika contribute to the deteriorating access to water and sanitation in the localities of Bujumbura Mairie, Mutimbuzi and Rumonge where cholera has been endemic since January 2023. In recent days, cases of cholera have significantly increased in these areas at high risk of occurrence of diseases with high epidemic potential including measles, malaria, in addition to cholera.

In Rwanda, heavy rains and floods killed 14 people in Nyanza District, injured 27 in Burera District and damaged roads, bridges and 123 houses since 28 April and as of 2 May. Several hectares of rice and banana plantation in Ruhango District have been damaged, according to local authorities. Heavy rainfall, ranging between 40-50 mm, with thunderstorms is predicted to affect 17 districts across Northern, Western and Southern provinces between 30 April and 4 May, according to the Rwanda Meteorology Agency. Burera, Nyanza, Gakenke, and Ngororero districts received the highest amount of rainfall ranging from 84 to 105.2 mm between 30 April and 2 May. Impact such as severe widespread flooding to rivers, swamps and low-lying areas, landslides and damage to infrastructure are likely.

In Somalia, more than 127,000 people in 7 districts have been affected by the Gu (April to June) rains as of 30 April, with 8,376 people displaced and 7 children killed since 19 April, as reported in OCHA Somalia Situation Report of 30 Apr 2024.

In Tanzania, heavy rains on 7 April, caused severe flooding in Rufiji and Kibiti districts in the Pwani Region, in the east, affecting villages near the Rufiji River and its tributaries. Preliminary assessment information indicates that in Rufiji, 25 villages were affected, while in Kibiti, 10 villages were affected, resulting in loss of lives, injuries, and damage to infrastructure, settlements, schools, farmlands, and crops. Nearly 125,670 people were affected, as of 29 April, according to initial reports. Preliminary findings indicate that 10 schools have been closed (7 schools in Rufiji and 3 in Kibiti) affecting over 1,900 school children. In February 2024, the Tanzania Meteorological Authority (TMA) released a seasonal forecast for the March, April, and May (MAM) rainfall season, forecasting a high likelihood of rainfall due to El Niño. In December 2023, intense rainfall, influenced by El Niño, caused floods and mudslides in Hanang District, Manyara Region, in the north.