As May 2024 draws to a close, East Africa is grappling with devastating weather conditions that have led to significant humanitarian challenges. The region, already reeling from heavy rains and floods, is now preparing for the impact of Cyclones Hidaya and now Laly.
Cyclone Laly Adds to the Crisis
As East Africa continues to recover from Cyclone Hidaya and the relentless torrential rains, the region faced another severe blow with the emergence of Cyclone Laly. Barely two weeks after Cyclone Hidaya made its devastating impact, Cyclone Laly struck the coastline on Tuesday evening, intensifying from a tropical storm to a full cyclone. This rare climatic event brought strong winds, heavy rains, and high waves, affecting multiple areas, including Somalia and Kenya.
In Kenya, particularly in Kilifi County, the cyclone caused tragic fatalities, including a four-year-old schoolgirl killed when strong winds ripped off the roof of her classroom. Another casualty was reported when a warehouse worker died due to a collapsing wall during the storm. Local authorities and the Kenya Meteorological Department have been urging residents to exercise extreme caution, highlighting the unusual severity and trajectory of Cyclone Laly.
Ongoing Challenges-Cyclones and Torrential Rains
The back-to-back occurrence of Cyclones Hidaya and Laly highlights the increasing frequency and intensity of extreme weather events, exacerbated by climate change. These events have underscored the urgent need for enhanced resilience and effective early warning systems in East Africa.
The adverse conditions caused by Cyclone Laly left many residents stranded, with significant disruptions to essential services like electricity and water supply. The aftermath has not only emphasized the importance of resilient infrastructure but also the immediate need for comprehensive strategies to safeguard vulnerable communities.
Kenya and Tanzania are bracing for Cyclones, which is expected to bring heavy rainfall, strong winds, and large ocean waves. The cyclone follows a period of torrential rains that have already caused severe flooding in both countries. In Kenya alone, at least 210 people have died since March, with thousands more displaced. The government has ordered mandatory evacuations in flood-prone areas, especially near dams and water reservoirs.
In Tanzania, the situation is similarly dire, with at least 155 fatalities reported due to flooding and landslides. The Tanzanian Red Cross has issued warnings about the expected severe weather conditions that Cyclone Hidaya will bring, potentially exacerbating the ongoing crisis.
Impact of Climate Change and Urbanisation
The extreme weather events in East Africa have been intensified by climate change and rapid urbanisation. Scientists have noted that the El Niño phenomenon has played a significant role in the increased rainfall, while the rapid growth of urban areas has worsened the impact of the floods. The combination of these factors has led to widespread destruction and displacement across the region.
Humanitarian Response and Challenges
The response to the crisis has highlighted both the resilience and the challenges faced by the affected communities. In Kenya, efforts are underway to evacuate people from high-risk areas and provide relief to those affected. However, there have been criticisms regarding the government’s preparedness and response speed. Human Rights Watch has called on the Kenyan government to take more proactive measures to protect its citizens from such foreseeable disasters.
In addition to the immediate relief efforts, there is a growing emphasis on the need for long-term solutions to mitigate the impact of climate change and improve infrastructure to handle extreme weather events. International aid and support are crucial in addressing the immediate needs and building resilience for the future.
As East Africa battles these severe weather conditions, the international community’s support and the implementation of sustainable measures will be key to preventing such disasters in the future and aiding in the recovery of affected communities.
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