Response to El Nino must target the vulnerable

The reality of climate change is here with us. We have been warned about changing weather patterns in the world over the last several years. Many places are experiencing extreme weather conditions, including longer than normal dry spells and enormous flooding.

But it is getting worse. Last month, over 100 people died in Egypt and many more hospitalised after the country experienced an unprecedented heatwave. Although Egyptian summers are usually very hot, the temperatures, particularly in the south, spiralled to 46C (114F). This is not an isolated incident. Earlier on, a heatwave in Pakistan killed at least 700 in the country’s southern Sindh province during the summer after temperatures peaked at 45C (113F).

Currently, Kenya is on high alert following repeated warnings by the Meteorological Department that the country will soon experience El Niño rains, worse than the devastating phenomenon in 1997/1998. It is a period that many of us would like to forget. The freak rains led to considerable loss of life, massive destruction of property and infrastructure. In addition, livelihoods that had been painstakingly established, particularly in agriculture, trade and commerce, were lost in the floods from incessant rains.

Consequently, commodity prices, especially agricultural produce, rose sharply. Destruction of infrastructure greatly hampered the transport of people, and negatively affected movement of goods and services. A lot of resources budgeted for development and recurrent expenditure both by the State and non-governmental organisations were diverted to mitigate the effects of the rains.

Now, according to the meteorologists, the expected El Niño rains in October this year will be worse. If what we experienced in 2008 was not bad enough, then what is going to happen, if it does, can only be horror. Fortunately, the difference this time with the last El Niño is that the Government has set aside Sh5 billion to mitigate the expected destruction. The announcement was made by Deputy President William Ruto following deliberations for a planned response strategy during a Cabinet meeting.

The Government said the funds will be allocated to infrastructure, agriculture and relocation of people from areas prone to mudslides. Indeed, much of the strategy must seek ways to help the vulnerable in society. These are the poor who can ill afford mitigation and adaptation measures against natural disasters. Globally, it has been observed that while developed countries like the US and emerging economic powerhouses like China are largely to blame for climate change due to massive carbon emissions, it is poor countries in the South that bear the brunt of global warming.

For instance, destruction of infrastructure will adversely affect transportation of goods to the markets. This will definitely reduce both industrial production and revenues, leading to downsizing of labour. How will these people, most who survive on less than a-dollar-a day or less, survive until such economic activities return to normal levels?

In agriculture, the rains are expected to damage both food and cash crops, particularly in the country’s food baskets. Is the Government thinking of allocating funds to compensate small holder farmers, mainly women, for the losses and give aid to those whose food crops will be washed away?

The above include women on smallholder farms who grow crops to take directly to the market. People who live in slum areas are also a major vulnerable group. Rains of such magnitude usually lead to an increase of opportunistic infections and communicable diseases like cholera and malaria. Therefore, the government needs to equip public hospitals in such informal settlements with sufficient drugs and medical personnel to cater for such eventualities.

Relocation of displaced populations must also be given priority not just in rural but also in urban areas since the shaky shelters will most likely be washed away by flash floods. Basically, nothing should be looked at in isolation. The rains in one place will have social and economic ripple effects on the activities that are far off.

Most importantly, let the government and other stakeholders planning the El Niño disaster preparedness strategy get the views of the vulnerable on the best ways to alleviate the potential disruption of their lives.

—The writer is the Executive Director, Centre for Climate Change Awareness. [email protected]