An?Issue Note: Time for action to minimise the impact of the expected heavy windy rainfall in Eastern Africa

Scientific modeling shows that Eastern Africa will experience increased heavy rainfall with periodic flooding?events over the next weeks. Forecasts by the International Livestock Research Institute?(ILRI) and the Intergovernmental Authority on Development Climate Prediction and Applications Centre (ICPAC) suggest that excess rainfall will largely determine weather conditions in Southern Ethiopia, Kenya, Somalia, Burundi and Tanzania. The expected extreme weather events endanger food security, infrastructure?and livelihoods across the region.

With challenges of extreme rainfall on the horizon, the African Coalition of Communities Responsive to Climate Change (ACCRCC) urges governments of Kenya, Ethiopia, Tanzania, and Uganda to take proactive?measures to protect lives, livelihoods, and economic stability.

According to Dr Rosalid Nkirote, the Executive Director, ACCRCC, data, model, and information sharing on early warning systems, infrastructure, agriculture, and emergency response preparedness coating are?vital in mitigating the impacts of disasters triggered by climate change. It is urgent to intervene so that a humanitarian crisis does not arise and sustainable development in the region is?guaranteed.

She notes that key concerns include higher rainfall and indicators of heat stress are expected to disturb crop and livestock production, worsening food insecurity and economic instability.

Further, the heavy rains are likely to cause widespread floods, threatening human settlements, transport networks, and key facilities. In addition, it is expected that waterborne diseases, insect-borne?diseases, and malnutrition from disrupted food supplies could spread after extreme weather events.

Historical data shows the extent to which flooding and extreme weather can trigger population displacement, with socio-economic?and security implications.

Government?Action urgently needed

·???????? Improve national meteorological services and community-based early warning systems to be able?to better prepare and respond.

·???????? Invest in maintaining flood-resistant infrastructure, improving drainage systems, and enforcing land-use planning that?minimizes the impacts of disasters.

·???????? Work with such NGOs such as the African Coalition of Communities Responsive to Climate Change and others to disseminate climate-resilient crop varieties, water harvesting methods, and sustainable livestock practices to protect food production.

·???????? Work with grassroot communities to prepare the infrastructure and resources?for emergency response, such as food reserves, medical kits, and safe havens for displaced populations.

·???????? Synergize climate action efforts with regional development initiatives in areas such as water management and infrastructure; aim?to build coordinated, sustainable growing economy.