'It can kill us': Kenyans fear impact of El Niño with floods predicted
Residents of Kibera, Kenya, are expressing fear as the country prepares for potential flooding caused by the El Niño weather phenomenon. Local authorities are conducting river rehabilitation efforts to mitigate the risks of extreme weather in vulnerable settlements.
Why it matters
It underscores the disproportionate impact of climate change on informal settlements and the urgent need for disaster preparedness in developing nations.
"It flooded up to here in March," Agnes Shikoli says, pointing to a spot halfway up the six-foot [1.8m] corrugated iron wall of her home in Kibera, one of the largest informal settlements in Kenya.
Her tiny house lies just a couple of metres from the Ngong river, which runs through this densely populated area in the capital, Nairobi.
The scars of floods in the long rainy season earlier this year can still be seen - including a broken TV in the corner which was immersed in water.
Tucked out of sight is a photo of her sister Beatrice Khalayi, 58, who died when intense rains caused widespread destruction in Kibera. She was among more than 60 people across the country who lost their lives.
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