The 2024 floods in Mathare, Nairobi, devastated the community, displacing thousands and leaving many homeless. The floods resulted in significant fatalities and exposed the vulnerability of informal settlements to climate change. While residents face severe challenges, initiatives like the ClimateWorX program offer job opportunities and support for rebuilding. However, longer-term solutions and community involvement remain critical for resilience against future disasters.
In the Nairobi area, the informal settlement of Mathare has suffered greatly due to the floods from the March-to-May rainy season of 2024, which resulted in significant loss of life and property. On April 24, extensive flooding led to the displacement of over 7,000 individuals. By October, the community was still grappling with the aftermath of this devastation, which highlighted both human vulnerability and climate challenges.
Doreen Achieng, a mother of four, recounts her harrowing experience as water overwhelmed her home. Previously accustomed to minor flooding, Achieng found herself trapped as the water rose dramatically, ultimately losing her home and business. Furthermore, she lamented the loss of life among her neighbors and the ensuing difficulties in supporting her children’s education.
The floods claimed the lives of 294 individuals and displaced about 55,000 households across Kenya, revealing the severe impact on informal settlements like Mathare and Kibera. Edward Okoth, a flood victim, further illustrated the dire conditions at temporary shelters, where food shortages led to struggles among the displaced.
The floods, exacerbated by the El Niño phenomenon, underscored the susceptibility of impoverished communities to extreme weather events. As informal settlements expand, more individuals find themselves at risk due to inadequate infrastructure and drainage systems. This vulnerability is compounded by recent droughts and food insecurity that preceded the flooding, revealing ongoing climatic instability.
Sharon Dimanche, from the International Organization for Migration, noted the alarming increase in displacement within the region, with numbers rising from 18.4 million to over 20 million in just a few months. She emphasizes the critical role of climate change as a driver of displacement in the Horn of Africa, necessitating concerted efforts to safeguard affected populations.
Women and children faced particular challenges during the floods, with reports highlighting the increased risks for pregnant women and young children. Unicef’s assessment indicated a significant rise in neglect among children following the disaster, revealing deep-seated vulnerabilities that were exacerbated by the emergency. As families struggle to survive, many children are compelled to abandon their education, with child labor becoming more prevalent in affected regions.
Moreover, the government’s response added further hardship as residents in flood-prone areas faced displacement. Many homes were demolished, leaving families with no option but to search for alternative shelter. Okoth expressed the despair of being forcibly removed from their homes without any prospects for rebuilding.
Despite these studies of loss and hardship, some residents have shown remarkable resilience. Survivors have transformed their former homes into productive vegetable gardens, aiding both nutrition and income. They are also benefiting from the government’s ClimateWorX initiative, which aims to rehabilitate urban ecosystems while providing employment opportunities.
The Ministry of Interior announced an expansion of this initiative, doubling the workforce to support more individuals. However, survivors stress the need for persistent support that goes beyond temporary aid to address long-term infrastructure improvements and flood defenses. Experts like Easter Okech advocate for better planning and community involvement in urban development to enhance resilience against future climate events.
These floods will undoubtedly leave lasting impressions on the community, but the residents of Mathare remain hopeful. With continued support and sustainable solutions, they believe they can emerge stronger and better prepared to face future challenges.
In conclusion, the aftermath of the 2024 floods in Mathare illustrates the profound impact of climate change on vulnerable communities. The experiences shared by residents like Doreen Achieng and Edward Okoth underscore the urgent need for improved infrastructure, adaptive planning, and sustainable support systems. While the immediate challenges remain daunting, the resilience displayed by the community offers a glimmer of hope for recovery and future preparedness.
Original Source: dialogue.earth
