The United Nations Resident Coordinator in Kenya worked with the country's Vice-President to distribute relief items to flood victims.
UN Secretary-General António Guterres today expressed his condolences on the floods in East Africa through his spokesperson. He expressed deep sadness to learn of severe flooding in Burundi, Kenya, Somalia and Tanzania, as well as in other parts of East Africa, which had killed hundreds of people and affected many, many more.
Guterres expressed his condolences to the governments and people of the affected countries, especially the families of those who lost their lives or were injured in this disaster.
He said the United Nations and its partners were working closely with national authorities to address humanitarian needs. He stressed that the United Nations stood ready to provide additional assistance during this difficult period.
He expressed extreme concern about the impact of extreme weather triggered by El Niño, noting that it would further devastate communities and destroy their livelihoods.
Extreme weather
East Africa is currently suffering from severe flooding, resulting in massive casualties and displacement. As a result of the persistent heavy rainfall, many towns have been devastated, and infrastructure such as roads and bridges have been damaged. In Kenya, floods have killed a large number of people and forced people to evacuate their homes. In addition, the floods have caused widespread damage to farmland and livestock, exacerbating the food security crisis in the region.
This catastrophic weather event occurred after a prolonged drought, highlighting the more frequent and severe extreme weather patterns caused by climate change.
unity is strength
Secretary-General spokesman Dujarric said at a press conference at midday that the United Nations and its partners are continuing to support the Kenyan government's efforts to respond to heavy rains and floods. As of 29 April, the United Nations, with the assistance of local partners, had provided emergency assistance to more than 124,000 people, including water and sanitation and hygiene items, food, health and psychosocial support.
He said UN partners are also supporting relief operations and setting up camps for men, women and children displaced by the floods.
According to Kenyan state authorities, the floods affected more than 190,000 people across the country and displaced more than 150,000 people.
In addition, the floods have had a severe impact on the agricultural sector. More than 4,800 livestock were lost and more than 27,000 acres of farmland were damaged.
