Pope Francis Calls for Prayers as Severe Flooding Devastates East Africa

Pope Francis has asked for prayers for the victims of severe flooding in East Africa, particularly in Kenya, where heavy rains have killed at least 170 people and displaced 185,000 others.

The flooding has caused widespread destruction, submerging homes, bursting rivers, and sweeping away villages.

The deadliest incident occurred in western Kenya, where the bursting of a makeshift dam in the Rift Valley region killed nearly 50 villagers, including 17 children. Rescuers are searching for many people still reported missing, with 53 people missing in the town of Mai Mahiu after a dam burst, leading to mudslides and flash floods.

The flooding has also affected neighboring countries like Tanzania, Somalia, Ethiopia, and Burundi, with hundreds killed and hundreds of thousands displaced across the region. Scientists attribute the extreme weather events to climate change, noting that the region has also experienced severe droughts in recent years.

Kenyan President William Ruto has deployed the military to evacuate people living in flood-prone areas, as the government warns that two major dams have reached historic highs, posing a risk to those downstream. The government has set up 52 displacement camps to provide temporary accommodation for those affected.

Why this matters: The severe flooding in East Africa highlights the devastating impact of climate change on vulnerable regions. It emphasizes the pressing need for global action to mitigate the effects of extreme weather events and support affected communities.

The Kenyan bishops' conference vice president, Archbishop Anthony Muheria, has appealed for humanitarian aid as floods devastate the country. Pope Francis expressed his spiritual closeness to the affected people and urged Christians to join him in prayer for those suffering from this natural disaster. "I am close to the people of Kenya who are suffering from the devastating impact of the floods," the Pope said during his Sunday address.

Key Takeaways

• Pope Francis calls for prayers for flood victims in East Africa, especially Kenya.
• Severe flooding has killed 170+ and displaced 185,000 in Kenya, causing widespread destruction.
• Bursting of dams and makeshift structures has led to deadly incidents and many missing persons.
• Flooding has affected neighboring countries, with climate change cited as a contributing factor.
• Kenyan government has deployed military to evacuate people and set up displacement camps.