Eastern Africa: El Niño Impact Snapshot (December 2023)

OVERVIEW

El Niño-induced heavy rains and flooding (riverine and flash floods) continued to hit parts of the Eastern African region, including Burundi, Ethiopia, Kenya, Rwanda, Somalia, South Sudan, Sudan, Tanzania, and Uganda, leading to loss of lives, livelihoods, and displacement. At least 479 people have been killed, and more than 5.2 million people were affected by the heavy rains and flooding between September and mid-December 2023, with nearly two million people displaced in Kenya, Somalia, Uganda, Burundi, and Ethiopia as of 15 December. The most affected countries include Somalia (2.5 million people), Ethiopia (1.5 million people), South Sudan (451,000 people), Kenya (546,000 people), and Sudan (89,200 people).

With access to clean water and latrines compromised due to the damage caused by flooding, the sanitation situation is greatly concerning. Waterlogging and overcrowding, mainly in temporary displacement sites are also putting people at risk of diseases. Ethiopia, Kenya, South Sudan, and Uganda are currently battling cholera and measles outbreaks amid concerns of a spike in malaria and diarrhoea cases. Closure of health facilities due to flooding, reduced regular health service delivery and restricted access to healthcare may further exacerbate the risk.

The El Niño-induced heavy rains and flooding have wreaked havoc on infrastructure, destroying homes, hospitals, schools, and roads. The level of damage has made it difficult for communities in the Horn of Africa to recover from five consecutive below-average rainy seasons. Crops have been washed away or inundated; livestock have been killed, and those that remain face a heightened risk of pests and diseases due to persistent moisture conditions. These combined are exacerbating the already dire humanitarian situation in the region.

Humanitarian partners in the region continue to work with Governments to scale up flood response efforts. Most urgent needs include shelter and non-food items, food, water, sanitation, and hygiene services. Above-average rains caused by El Niño conditions are forecasted to continue through at least early next year.