Horn of Africa: Flash floods follow severe drought

A period of drought in the Horn of Africa has been followed by heavy rainfall. Over 100 people have confirmed to have passed away due to the unfolding situation.

At least 111 people have died in the Horn of Africa in recent weeks following heavy rainfall. More than 770,000 people have already had to leave the region in the north-east of the continent due to the extreme weather. Kenya, Somalia, and Ethiopia are particularly badly affected. It will continue to rain heavily in the area over the coming days. Our WeatherRadar shows how heavy showers and thunderstorms repeatedly pass over them.

Since October, heavy rainfall in the regions has led to widespread flooding and landslides. The floods are the latest in a series of extreme weather events in the Horn of Africa.

The region is also experiencing the other extreme: one of the worst droughts in decades. Before the massive rainfall, there was no rain for several periods in a row. The rain is currently unable to seep into the dried-out soil, which is why flash floods are occurring. Nevertheless, the rainfall in the region is vital for survival.

Most people live from agriculture. Due to the persistent drought, fields have already withered, watering holes have dried up and up to 90 percent of livestock are reported to have died.