As Kenya contends with the aftermath of torrential rains and catastrophic floods that have ravaged East Africa, the looming threat of Cyclone Hidaya intensifies, exacerbating the region's humanitarian crisis. With nearly 400 lives lost and tens of thousands displaced from their homes, both Kenya and Tanzania brace for the cyclone's fury, heightening concerns for the safety and well-being of their citizens.
Floods in Kenya have already taken a heavy toll, claiming at least 210 lives since March, according to updated figures from the Ministry of Interior and National Administration released on Friday. The toll includes 125 people injured, 90 missing, and a staggering 165,500 individuals displaced, underscoring the gravity of the disaster that Cyclone Hidaya threatens to compound.
The heavier-than-usual rains have also wrought havoc in Burundi, where they have claimed the lives of at least 29 people, with 175 others injured, and tens of thousands displaced since September last year, as reported by the United Nations.
The Kenya Meteorological Department has issued warnings of heavy rains in Nairobi and other areas over the next three days, accompanied by strong winds and large ocean waves along the coastline. Residents are urged to remain vigilant for flash floods and lightning strikes, with the potential for strong winds to cause significant damage, including blowing off roofs and uprooting trees.
In response to the escalating crisis, Kenya's President, William Ruto, announced the deployment of the country's military to evacuate residents living in flood-prone areas. The Interior Ministry has also issued a bulletin, ordering the evacuation of individuals residing close to major rivers or near 178 dams and water reservoirs within 24 hours to ensure their safety.
“Crucially, the coastal region is likely to experience Cyclone Hidaya, which will result in heavy rainfall, large waves and strong winds that could affect marine activities in the Indian Ocean,” the office of Kenyan President William Ruto said.
The devastation has reverberated across Kenya's tourism sector, a vital economic driver, with approximately 100 tourists stranded in the renowned Maasai Mara wildlife reserve after a river overflowed, flooding lodges and safari camps. Rescue efforts, involving ground and air evacuation, have managed to save 90 individuals, as confirmed by the Interior Ministry.
In Kiambu County, which has also been severely impacted by floods, residents have expressed frustration and anger towards the government's response, questioning why more preventive measures were not taken to avert the disaster. They highlighted a particular grievance with a company contracted to fix a bridge and implement flood control infrastructure in the area, alleging that the company absconded with the funds without completing the project, leaving the community vulnerable to the ravages of nature.
Opposition politicians and lobby groups have joined the chorus of criticism, accusing Ruto's government of being unprepared and slow to respond to the crisis despite weather warnings. On Thursday, Human Rights Watch added its voice to the conversation, asserting that "Kenya's government has a human rights obligation to prevent foreseeable harm from climate change and extreme weather events and to protect people when a disaster strikes."
In a tragic incident highlighting the severity of the crisis, dozens of villagers lost their lives when a dam burst near Mai Mahiu in the Rift Valley, approximately 60 kilometers (40 miles) north of Nairobi. The Interior Ministry reported the recovery of 52 bodies, with 51 individuals still missing in the aftermath of the dam disaster.
As Cyclone Hidaya looms ominously over East Africa, Kenya faces an unprecedented challenge, grappling with the catastrophic consequences of floods and now bracing for the cyclone's impact. Despite the adversity, the resilience and determination of the Kenyan people shine through as they unite in solidarity to confront and overcome the challenges that lie ahead.
