Heavy Rains and Flash Floods Kill 30, Displace Thousands in Kenya and Somalia; Somalia Declares National Emergency

Over 100,000 people displaced and thousands trapped due to torrential rains, following four years of drought in the region; Humanitarian efforts ongoing amid warnings of climate crisis exacerbation.

Heavy rains and flash flooding in Kenya and Somalia have killed at least 30 people and displaced tens of thousands. Emergency responders are attempting to reach trapped residents in several regions, amid ongoing national emergencies declared in both countries.
The disaster follows four consecutive years of severe drought in Somalia, pushing the nation to the brink of famine. This highlights the extreme weather variability faced by the region, reinforcing concerns around the climate crisis
Flash floods have wreaked devastating damage to the agricultural sector, killing 1,067 livestock and destroying 241 acres of farmland in Kenya alone. Further losses are expected as torrential rains continue.
Despite prior warnings of heavier than usual rainfall during the short rainy season, proactive measures seem to have been insufficient. Kenyan President William Ruto had contradicted such forecasts, claiming that devastating El Nino flooding wouldn't occur.
The flooding crisis extends beyond Kenya and Somalia, with neighboring countries such as Ethiopia also reporting significant displacement and deaths due to floods. Measures for mitigation and adaptation to the increasing climate-related challenges are urgently needed.