Floods in the Horn of Africa have left at least 111 dead and 700,000 displaced, says NGO

At least 111 people, including 16 children, have died and 700,000 people have been displaced in floods caused in recent weeks by torrential rains hitting the Horn of Africa, the NGO Save the Children announced on Thursday, November 16. The El Niño climatic phenomenon amplifies rainy season precipitation in the region, particularly affecting Somalia, Ethiopia and Kenya.

“Incessant rainfall in Kenya’s northern counties and the capital Nairobi has caused widespread flooding, displacing an estimated 36,000 people and killing 46 since the rainy season began less than a month ago,” said the NGO Save the Children in a statement, adding that 32 people had also died in Somalia and 33 in Ethiopia.

The British NGO also urged the international community to act to respond “massive displacement” in the three countries. The Horn of Africa is one of the regions most vulnerable to climate change and extreme weather events are occurring with increased frequency and intensity.