Thousands Displaced by Floods and Conflict near Jowhar, Somalia. Photo credit: United Nations Photo via Flickr
The impact of El Niño-induced heavy rains and flooding during the March to May rainy season have been devastating across the Eastern Africa Region. Torrential rains and flooding (both riverine and flash floods) in Burundi, Kenya, Somalia, Rwanda and Tanzania have resulted in the loss of lives, displacement, and destruction. Weather forecasts indicate increased rains in the coming few days as heavy rainfall, of more than 200 mm, is expected over some parts of central and western Kenya and central and north-western Somalia, according to the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) Prediction and Applications Centre for Eastern Africa. Tropical Cyclone Hidaya, which has formed over the South Indian Ocean, is likely to hit the coastal areas of Tanzania and Kenya. It will likely bring heavy rains and strong winds in Mtwara, Lindi, and Pwani (including the Mafia Islands), Dar es Salaam, Tanga, Morogoro, Ugunja, Pemba regions and neighboring areas in Tanzania. Humanitarian partners are monitoring the situation to be prepared for any needed response.