Flooding and landslides in Eastern Africa are impacting nearly one million people in Burundi, Kenya, Somalia, and Tanzania. The region has been hit with heavy rains, exacerbated by the 2023-24 El Niño climate phenomenon, resulting in numerous casualties and emphasizing the urgent need for humanitarian aid.
A large number of individuals have been displaced, and significant damage has been reported, including to homes, schools, and infrastructure, as well as the loss of crops and livestock. Many families have been compelled to leave their homes, seeking shelter in makeshift shelters or evacuation centers. Particularly affected are vulnerable populations, often living in informal settlements near riverbanks without access to adequate water and sanitation. This situation has further marginalized women and children, who already face discrimination and increased vulnerability to violence, abuse, and exploitation.
In Kenya, schools were closed for several weeks and are scheduled to reopen next week. The floods have also triggered a cholera outbreak with 48 reported cases. In Somalia, over 160,000 people, two-thirds of whom are children, have been affected by the recent flooding.
UNICEF Regional Director for Eastern and Southern Africa, Etleva Kadilli, emphasized the need for safety, health, food, clean water, and essential services in the affected regions. UNICEF is working closely with governments and local partners to address these needs and ensure the safety and well-being of children.
UNICEF is providing emergency relief in flood-affected countries, including cash assistance, technical support, clean water, hygiene kits, and medical supplies. Efforts are also focused on ensuring the continuity of education, protection of children from violence and exploitation, access to water and sanitation services, healthcare, nutrition, risk communication, and community engagement.
Climate change has intensified extreme weather events in Eastern and Southern Africa over the past decade, leading to prolonged droughts and severe floods. UNICEF is working with partners to implement climate-resilient solutions, empower children and young people, advocate for reduced greenhouse gas emissions, and enhance climate financing to be child-sensitive.
Kadilli highlighted the escalating crises in the region and emphasized the need for sustained support from donors and multilateral climate funds to save lives and build resilience against climate emergencies. UNICEF, in collaboration with governments and local communities, continues to deliver lifesaving interventions and prepare for potential increases in humanitarian needs.
UNICEF Eastern and Southern Africa is distributing this information on behalf of the organization.