The negative impacts of flooding cause disruption, destruction and distress among communities.

"I was playing with my doll when it started #flooding. My doll, bag, books and school uniform were all swept away by floods," recounts Mariah, 9.
As #floodwaters rise in #TanaRiver, families like Maimuna's, Mariah's mother, are counting losses. Her house and everything in it were swept away by the raging #floods.
Maimuna, a widow, says she held her two children as they waded out to the tarmac, a higher ground. When she went back for her belongings, she was neck-deep in water, due to the rapidly rising torrents.
The ongoing heavy rains in Kenya continue to wreak havoc in communities and have increased the scope of suffering for children and women among those most affected. Barely before they recover from the prolonged drought, they are now again grappling with the devastating effects of #ElNino.
As at 20th November, the storms and flooding had caused 71 deaths, displaced 30195 households (approximately 150,975 people), affected 75,012 people, injured 12, 1 person missing and 2441 livestock deaths.
According to the Kenya Meteorological Department, rainfall is expected to continue over most parts of the country.
Plan International Kenya carried out a Rapid Needs Assessment in Marsabit and Tana River counties from the 12th- 14th November 2023. From the assessment, the storm and floods have carried devastating impacts on communities’ lives and #livelihoods.
Partners are also conducting initial needs assessments in the most affected areas, which have guided the focus towards responding to displacement and managing risks related to disease outbreaks, especially through water, #Sanitation and #hygiene interventions, as well as bolstering ongoing efforts to support #foodsecurity and #nutrition.
During the assessment, we interacted with community members to find out how the floods have affected them, and how they were coping. Emergencies quickly disrupt important elements of children’s lives such as home and school. Women and lactating mothers are equally most affected during such calamities.
#Displaced families are predominantly sheltering with friends and relatives and many more are sheltering in camps.
#climatechange
#climatecrisis
#climateaction