Eastern Africa: Heavy rains and flooding Flash Update #3 (21 May 2024)

HIGHLIGHTS

• Heavy rains and flash floods continued to cause damage and displacement across Eastern Africa, mainly in Burundi, Ethiopia, Kenya, Somalia, Uganda, and Tanzania, where an estimated 1.6 million people have been affected, including 473 people who lost their lives and nearly 410,350 people who have been displaced, as of 17 May.

• In Kenya, the situation of dams and waterways nationwide is critical, with dams being overtopped and embankments eroded. The Government has mandated the immediate evacuation of individuals living within the 30-meter riparian corridor nationwide.

• In Somalia, damage to water sources and other facilities is exacerbating the cholera outbreak that has recorded at least 10,640 cases, including 120 deaths, across seven states, according to the World Health Organization (WHO).

• Humanitarian partners across the Eastern Africa region continue to support governments in search and rescue operations, conducting needs assessments, pre-positioning available stocks, and providing urgent assistance. Additional funding to scale up response as heavy rains and floods spread is needed.

SITUATION OVERVIEW

Heavy rains, flash floods and landslides continued to cause havoc across the Eastern Africa region mainly in Ethiopia, Kenya, Somalia, Uganda, Burundi, and Tanzania, where an estimated 1.6 million people have been affected, including 473 people who lost their lives and nearly 410,350 people who have been displaced, as of 17 May. In Kenya, 291 people have been killed, 188 injured, and 75 missing, while an estimated 278,380 people (55,676 families) have been displaced and more than 412,760 (82,552 families) have been affected by heavy rains and floods between 1 March and 16 May 2024, according to the National Disaster Operations Centre (NDOC). The situation of dams and waterways nationwide is critical, with some dams being overtopped and embankments eroded. The Government has mandated the immediate evacuation of individuals living within the 30-meter riparian corridor nationwide. Search and rescue operations are ongoing, alongside evacuations in potentially risky areas. Authorities reported damage to 64 health facilities and 419 water and sanitation (WASH) facilities.

In Tanzania, 155 people have lost their lives due to the impact of heavy rains, landslides, and flooding, while an estimated 126,000 people have been affected by early May, according to authorities. On 19 May, the Tanzania Meteorological Authority warned that the current weather system present in the Indian Ocean, Cyclone Ialy, is likely to bring strong winds, high waves, and heavy rains between 20 and 22 May. They advised mariners and the public to take precautionary measures.

In Somalia, an estimated 225,760 people have been affected by the Gu season heavy rains and floods (AprilJune), including nearly 38,730 people who have been displaced or relocated, as of 14 May. In Dhobley and Afmadow, in the lower Juba and Juba regions respectively, a large part of those displaced were able to return to their homes due to the prolonged dry periods. Heavy rains and floods have resulted in the loss of livelihoods, including livestock, cropland, and destruction of small businesses. Damage to water sources, latrines, and roads has also been reported. The damage to water sources and WASH facilities is exacerbating the cholera outbreak, that has recorded at least 10,640 cases, including 120 deaths, across seven states, the World Health Organization (WHO) reported as of 13 May.

In Ethiopia, more than 560,000 people have been affected by the heavy rains and flooding experienced in April and early May in several districts, including Afar, Amhara, Central Ethiopia, Oromia, Sidama, Somali, South Ethiopia and South West Ethiopia People’s, Tigray regions and Dire Dawa City Administration, according to the Ethiopian Disaster Risk Management Commission (EDRMC). Nearly 57,000 people have been displaced, some of whom have since returned home. Houses, public infrastructure, and croplands have sustained significant damage, thus further limiting the population’s access to services, particularly in areas already affected by conflict, prolonged drought, ongoing cholera outbreak, as well as pre-existing poor road infrastructure. The Somali Region, where rivers overflowed, is the most affected area, with at least 51,000 people displaced, according to preliminary reports. Reports from the Shebelle Zone indicate that the livelihood of pastoralist and agro-pastoralist communities in the area have been severely affected due to damage to some 18,000 hectares of cropland and loss of livestock. Heavy rains experienced at the beginning of May in the Amhara Region led to floods in the displacement site Jari #2, in South Wollo Zone, reportedly causing damage to tents, leading to the displaced having to share tents, in a congested shelter condition, with associated health and protection challenges.

In Burundi, the impact of torrential rains have affected more than 239,780 people and forced more than 36,900 people to move from their homes due to flooding since January 2024, as of 4 May. Assessments are ongoing in some of the affected areas and the number of affected people could be higher. In Uganda, more than 52,190 people have been affected by heavy rains, floods and landslides between January and April, according to the International Organisation for Migration (IOM) Multi-Hazard Infographic. An estimated 23 people died, and 241 others were injured. The rainy season led to landslides/mudslides in the Elgon, Rwenzori Mountain ranges as well as floods, heavy storms, and lightning among other hazards. Infrastructural damage was also reported, including more than 1,720 houses which were destroyed, 1,400 houses partially damaged. Some 147 water facilities, 16 schools and eight health facilities were adversely affected. The most urgent needs include food, shelter, and non-food items assistance. In May, nearly 39,190 people (8,011 families) were affected by flooding in 14 districts, including 3,080 families that were displaced, according to an assessment caried out by the Uganda Red Cross (URCS), as of 13 May. Forty-nine people have lost their lives, while 296 were injured and 28 are reported missing. Similarly, flooding was reported earlier this week in Masaka districts, as water from Lake Victoria overflowed. Forecast from the Uganda National Meteorological Authority indicates that more rains are expected throughout May