By Joyce Ojanji
Communities in the Horn of Africa should brace for heavy rains and floods over the next seven days.
The Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD)Climate Prediction and Application Centre (ICPAC) warnings emphasize the need for preparedness and vigilance in the face of potentially hazardous weather conditions expected in the region.
The above-average rains are anticipated over parts of central, eastern, and western Sudan, central and southern South Sudan, much of Eritrea, northern and north-eastern Ethiopia, Djibouti, northern Uganda, and western Kenya.
Conversely, regions in eastern and western South Sudan and specific areas in central and west Ethiopia are expected to receive less rainfall than usual during the forecasted period.
The disparity in rainfall patterns underscores the need for tailored responses and contingency measures to address potential flooding and water-related challenges in the affected areas.
In addition to the heightened risk of heavy rainfall and potential flooding, elevated levels of heat stress are forecasted in specific regions, including northern Sudan, north-eastern Ethiopia, coastal areas of Eritrea and Djibouti, and parts of Sudan.
High temperatures exceeding 32 degrees Celsius are expected in northern Sudan, north-eastern Ethiopia, coastal regions of Sudan, Eritrea, Djibouti, and north-western Somalia, posing challenges related to heat-related health impacts.
Moderate temperatures ranging between 20 and 32 degrees Celsius are predicted across various areas, encompassing central to southern Sudan, South Sudan, Uganda, northern and eastern Kenya, Somalia, and western and eastern Tanzania.
However, cooler temperatures below 20 degrees Celsius are anticipated in western Rwanda, Burundi, northern to southern Tanzania, central to south-western Kenya, and western Ethiopia.
As communities prepare to navigate the anticipated weather conditions, coordination among relevant stakeholders, including local authorities, disaster response agencies, and community leaders, is crucial to ensure adequate response and mitigation measures.
