2024 East Africa floods and cyclone

May 6, 2024 Vaseline stjohnson 0

Weeks of heavy rain due to seasonal monsoons have caused flooding (both riverine and flash), 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 weather pattern has aggravated this year’s rains.

Kenyan President William Ruto said: “No corner of our country has been spared from this chaos. Unfortunately, we have not seen the last of this dangerous period, as the situation is expected to worsen. Weather reports paint a dire picture. “The rains will persist, increasing in both duration and intensity for the rest of this month and possibly beyond.”

Kenya and Tanzania are the countries most affected by monsoon rains, a situation that was also aggravated by Cyclone Hidaya in early May. Years of drought, which hardened the soil, have also aggravated the effects of the rains, increasing the impact of floods. River levels are extremely high and risks of rainfall continue until at least June in coastal areas and a couple more weeks in the western region.

To learn more about seasonal weather patterns and the impact of drought and monsoon rains, read this Voices of America article.

(Photo: Flood damage in Mai Mahiu town in Nakuru County, Kenya, April 29, 2024. Credit: Kipchumba Murkomen, Kenya Cabinet Secretary for Roads, Transport and Public Works via x)

Cyclone Hidaya hit the region on May 4, increasing rainfall and flooding but not causing as much damage as feared. It made landfall on Mafia Island in Tanzania’s Mafia Islands archipelago in the Indian Ocean before quickly dissipating.

Hidaya is the strongest cyclone to ever hit Tanzania, according to Africa News. The Tanzania Meteorological Authority (TMA) reported heavy downpours along the coast on May 4, with more than 3.5 inches of rain in Mtwara. This is more than double the amount of rain that normally falls in May.

Kenya’s proximity to the equator means the country does not suffer direct impacts, but can feel the impact effects of winds and rain of a cyclone, usually with the strength of a tropical depression.

The TMA reported Hidaya’s complete dissipation shortly after it hit the Mafia Islands and lost all strength.