Climate Crisis Flooding Hits Kenya Hard: Urgent Call for Climate-Resilient Solutions
Climate Crisis Flooding Hits Kenya Hard: Urgent Call for Climate-Resilient Solutions
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Laguna Beach, CA [May 8, 2024] – Kenya, along with other parts of East Africa, is facing an unprecedented crisis as extreme weather conditions wreak havoc on the region. The country’s recent declaration of a public holiday to mourn the 238 lives lost due to ongoing flooding underscores the severity of their current situation.
The toll of this catastrophe extends beyond the loss of lives, with floods washing away entire villages and homes of over 235,000 people in just the last five days, who are forced to seek refuge in overcrowded camps.
The magnitude of the disaster is staggering. According to recent reports, more than 1,000 schools in Kenya have been affected by the relentless downpours and flooding, leaving a profound mark on the country’s educational landscape. In addition to displacement, the aftermath of flooding poses the ongoing threat of disease outbreaks through contaminated water sources.
According to the United Nations Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), rising global temperatures contribute to "more intense rainfall events and altered precipitation patterns," exacerbating the risk of floods.
In the face of such adversity, it is increasingly imperative that the world rallies around these vulnerable regions to implement sustainable resources and mitigate the impact of climate change-induced disasters.
"We are on the ground every day, working alongside vulnerable families and communities affected by climate disasters, such as the devastating floods, hitting Kenya," says Bernard, East Africa Regional Director of With My Own Two Hands (WMO2H). "This tragic event underscores that climate-resilient solutions are needed now more than ever. We must act swiftly to address the root causes of such calamities and provide sustainable resource solutions that can withstand the challenges posed by climate change."
In 2023, WMO2H launched their regenerative agriculture solutions as an innovative program in international development, designed to equip and safeguard communities against a rapidly changing climate.
"We are committed to providing immediate water and agriculture resources while also focusing on long-term solutions that prioritize climate resilience," adds Bernard. "Through our sustainable development programs and training, we aim to empower and equip communities. By investing in these initiatives, we can bolster community resilience and mitigate the impact of future disasters."
As the floodwaters persist, concerted efforts are imperative to address the underlying factors driving such catastrophes. By championing climate-adaptive and mitigative solutions and by fostering community resilience, we can protect more livelihoods and build a more sustainable future.
To schedule an interview with Bernard Oguta, please contact: isabella@withmyown2hands.org.
About With My Own Two Hands
With My Own Two Hands (WMO2H) is a Laguna Beach based 501(c)3 nonprofit organization working to create a more equitable world through water and agriculture in East Africa (Tax ID: 45-2021595). Founded in 2011, WMO2H has provided 140,000 individuals access to clean water, nutritious food, and socioeconomic opportunities, firmly believing in the importance of these basic necessities for every human. Currently serving 59 communities, WMO2H has implemented 46 clean water projects and 52 agriculture projects. As a special consultant to the United Nations Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC), WMO2H leverages its expertise to make a meaningful impact. Stay updated with the latest news and updates by visiting www.withmyown2hands.org or following @withmyown2hands on Facebook and Instagram.
