“Kenya has been ravaged by torrential rains and devastating floods since March, causing widespread destruction and claiming the lives of at least 169 people, with many still missing. The most tragic incident occurred when a blocked river tunnel burst, leading to a flash flood that killed 48 people in southwestern Kenya. Over 190,000 individuals have been displaced, and critical infrastructure has been damaged in the wake of this natural disaster.
Understanding Kenya’s Rainfall Seasons:
Kenya experiences two main rainfall periods – the ‘long rains’ season from March to May, and the ‘short rains’ season from October to December. The ‘long rains’ season, which is currently underway, typically brings heavy downpours and accounts for a significant portion of the country’s annual rainfall.
Factors Contributing to Intense Rainfall:
The intensity of the current rainfall in Kenya can be attributed to various factors, including naturally occurring climate systems like the Indian Ocean Dipole. This phenomenon influences sea surface temperatures in the Indian Ocean, leading to fluctuating weather patterns. Additionally, warmer oceans caused by climate change result in increased evaporation, contributing to more intense rainfall.
Climate Change’s Role in Extreme Weather:
Researchers have pointed out that human-induced climate change has exacerbated the intensity of rainfall in Kenya and other parts of eastern Africa. Warmer temperatures and a hotter atmosphere create conditions conducive to heavy rainfall, leading to the catastrophic flooding seen in recent months.
Uncertain Future:
Predicting the end of the current ‘long rains’ season has become increasingly challenging as weather patterns shift unpredictably. The Kenya Meteorological Department anticipates that the rainy season may extend into June, with heavy downpours and the risk of flooding and landslides persisting in various regions of the country.
Conclusion:
As Kenya grapples with the aftermath of these devastating floods, it is crucial to consider the interconnected factors that contribute to such extreme weather events. By acknowledging the role of both natural phenomena and human-induced climate change, we can work towards better preparedness and mitigation strategies to protect vulnerable communities from future disasters.”
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