Resilience in the Aftermath of Kenya’s 2024 Floods in Mathare

The floods of 2024 severely impacted Mathare, a Nairobi slum, displacing thousands and resulting in the loss of lives and livelihoods. Survivors have since transformed destroyed areas into vegetable gardens, and government initiatives aim to support the displaced. However, the community emphasizes the need for long-term solutions and improved infrastructure to better withstand future disasters.

In 2024, Kenya’s rainy season caused catastrophic flooding in Mathare, an informal settlement in Nairobi, claiming lives and displacing over 7,000 individuals. The humanitarian organization Save the Children reported these figures a month after the floods struck on April 24. Despite the global attention to the disaster, recovery efforts continued to face obstacles as residents coped with the aftermath of destruction.

The devastating floods in Mathare highlight the vulnerability of informal settlements to extreme weather conditions exacerbated by climate change. The needs of the displaced residents underscore the importance of long-term support in improving infrastructure and creating sustainable solutions. Ongoing government initiatives like ClimateWorX exhibit some hope; however, comprehensive planning and community involvement remain essential for a resilient future.

Original Source: dialogue.earth