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Let’s “stand with Kenya” as Heavy Rainfall Causes Flash Floods, Deaths, Widespread Destruction: Jesuit Entity Director

Credit: Jesuit Justice and Ecology Network – Africa (JENA)

By ACI Africa Staff

Nairobi, 26 April, 2024 / 9:32 pm (ACI Africa).

The flash floods, deaths, and widespread destruction of property amid rainfall in Kenya call for solidarity with and support for the people of God in the East African nation, a Nairobi-based Jesuit Priest has said. 

In a Thursday, April 25 statement shared with ACI Africa, the Director of the Jesuit Justice and Ecology Network – Africa (JENA), a department of the Jesuit Conference of Africa and Madagascar (JCAM), weighs in on the far-reaching effects of the heavy rainfall in Kenya. 

According to the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (UNOCHA), over 103,000 people have been affected by the floods including 40,265 who have been displaced in 21 of Kenya's 47 counties. The capital city of Kenya, Nairobi, is reportedly the most affected.

Media reports in Kenya indicate that at least 60 people have died across the country, hundreds of thousands have been displaced, and property destroyed amid torrential rains linked to the El Niño weather phenomenon.

"In times of adversity, solidarity becomes our beacon of hope. Now, more than ever, we must stand with Kenya,” JENA Director, Fr. Charles Chilufya, is quoted as saying.

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Fr. Chilufya adds, “As we witness Kenya's struggle, let us extend our hands in solidarity.” 

The Zambian-born member of the Society of Jesus (Jesuits) goes on to emphasize the need to “support the relief efforts” towards the affected individuals and families, and to “collaborate in building resilient communities capable of weathering the storms of climate change.” 

In the April 25 statement, the JENA official extends “heartfelt gratitude” to those who are responding to the needs of the affected persons and communities. 

“Your swift and coordinated efforts are a testament to the spirit of solidarity and compassion that defines our shared humanity,” says Fr. Chilufya.

In the wake of the flash floods, Kenya's County and National governments are working alongside relief agencies to support victims of the natural disaster. 

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On Wednesday, April 24, the Governor of Nairobi County, Johnson Sakaja, ordered the evacuation of families affected by the floods to temporary structures. 

Mr. Sakaja said that the County government is working alongside Kenya Red Cross Society (KRCS) and other agencies to provide support to the affected people. 

Meanwhile, Kenya’s President, William Ruto, has directed the National Youth Service (NYS) to provide land for those living in flood prone areas  as government plans on what to do on April 25. 

In neighbouring Tanzania, the death toll from flooding had risen to 155 by April 25, and affected over 200,000 others, according to the country’s Prime Minister. 

ACI Africa Staff

ACI Africa was founded in 2019. We provide free, up-to-the-minute news affecting the Catholic Church in Africa, giving particular emphasis to the words of the Holy Father and happenings of the Holy See, to any person with access to the internet. ACI Africa is proud to offer free access to its news items to Catholic dioceses, parishes, and websites, in order to increase awareness of the activities of the universal Church and to foster a sense of Catholic thought and culture in the life of every Catholic.

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