Boat Capsizes in Kenya's Tana River Amid Deadly Floods, Leaving 23 Missing

On April 29, 2024, a boat carrying 41 passengers capsized in the Tana River in eastern Kenya, resulting in the recovery of three bodies, with 23 people still missing. This incident occurred amid ongoing heavy rains that have killed over 100 people in Kenya since mid-March.

The torrential rains and deadly floods that have hit Kenya since March have been some of the most catastrophic in the country in recent years, with at least 169 people killed and 91 missing. The devastating rains are a result of a mix of factors, including the country's seasonal weather patterns, human-caused climate change, and natural weather phenomena like the positive phase of the Indian Ocean Dipole. The Kenya Meteorological Department has predicted above-average rainfall and warned of flash floods, landslides, and mudslides during the ongoing 'long rains' season, which is expected to continue into June.

The Kenyan government has ordered residents of flood-prone areas to evacuate or face forced relocation, as water levels at two hydroelectric dams on the Tana River have reached 'historic highs'. The flooding has also affected neighboring countries, with over 150 people killed in Tanzania and Somalia, and hundreds of thousands affected in Ethiopia and Burundi.

Why this matters: The severe floods in Kenya are exacerbating the humanitarian crisis in the country, which has just emerged from the worst drought in four decades, leaving millions of people hungry. The catastrophic rains and floods highlight the devastating impact of climate change on vulnerable populations and the urgent need for international support and climate action.

Search and rescue operations are underway in Garissa county, with the Kenya Defence Forces deploying a Kenya Navy team of divers and marines to assist in the efforts. The Kenya Red Cross has acknowledged receiving distress calls but stated that their resources are stretched following the Mororo boat tragedy, with their two boats engaged in search and rescue operations. "The intensity of the rains is causing massive flooding. Kenya, Tanzania, and other African countries are bearing the brunt of climate-related extreme weather events," said Kenya Red Cross Secretary General Ahmed Idris.

Key Takeaways

• Boat capsized in Kenya's Tana River, 3 dead, 23 missing amid heavy rains.
• Floods in Kenya have killed over 100 people since mid-March, 91 missing.
• Floods caused by climate change, seasonal weather, and Indian Ocean Dipole.
• Kenyan govt orders evacuation of flood-prone areas, affects neighboring countries.
• Floods exacerbate humanitarian crisis after worst drought in 40 years.