Weeks of heavy rain due to seasonal monsoons have led to flooding (both riverine and flash flooding), deaths and displacement in several East African countries, including Kenya, Tanzania, Burundi, Rwanda and Somalia.
The "long rains" as they are known, occur annually from March to May. This region is extremely susceptible to climate change and the El Niño climate pattern has compounded this year's rains. Kenyan President William Ruto said, "No corner of our country has been spared from this havoc. Sadly, we have not seen the last of this perilous period as this situation is expected to escalate. Meteorological reports paint a dire picture. The rains will persist increasing both in duration and intensity for the rest of this month and possibly after."
Photo: Flood damage in town of Mai Mahiu in Nakuru County, Kenya, April 29, 2024. Credit: Kipchumba Murkomen, Cabinet Secretary for Roads, Transport, and Public Works in Kenya via X
