In Kenya, the authorities and populations have lost their smiles and lost their sleep. Since the start of the rainy season in March, this East African country has experienced, unusually, serious floods causing significant material and human damage. Around thirty counties are said to be under water. According to the latest report established these days by the Kenyan government, 228 people died in the floods. Numerous injuries, 150,000 displaced people and serious damage to infrastructure were also recorded. The realities are such that the horizon is not going to clear any time soon. The floods are expected to last for several more weeks, according to the Kenya Meteorological Institute. In reality, these heavy downpours are the direct consequence of the cyclical climatic phenomenon, El Nino, characterized by the establishment of a positive temperature anomaly in the equatorial Pacific Ocean.
In certain geographical areas, such as East Africa where Kenya is located, the impact of this phenomenon is measured in terms of significant rainfall. More than ever on the line, Kenyan President William Ruto has mobilized the army and requested the evacuation of people living in areas at risk of flooding, but he really has his work cut out for him. Life has become a nightmare for his compatriots, or at least those most affected by the floods. They lack everything: drinking water, shelter, food, health care… The announcement of the construction of 20,000 social housing units and the aid of nearly 70 euros granted to each displaced family to pay for the rent are measures to be welcomed, but the emergency requires more. Already, some affected households (most have found shelter in schools and churches) believe that housing assistance is insignificant, with owners of houses in flooded areas having doubled rents. Shows that solidarity has not always worked in this world. This is the height of greed! The government is doing its best, as are certain NGOs which lend a helping hand to people in distress, but there is much to be done to meet the many expectations. There is cause for alarm, especially as other torrential rains cannot be ruled out.
If the Kenyan head of state must deal with the most pressing needs, he is called upon above all to find lasting solutions, anticipating the possible consequences of floods, to which Kenya is accustomed. The years should not follow one another and be the same when it comes to flood management. If we cannot put an end to the torrential rains, due to climate change, we can act upstream to at least limit the damage. President Ruto, who has the destiny of the country in his hands, is strongly questioned….
Patrick Kader