El Niño Raises Flood and Disease Risks Across East Africa

July 2026 - The International Rescue Committee (IRC) has warned that a strengthening El Niño could trigger severe flooding, disease outbreaks, and humanitarian emergencies across East Africa, particularly in Somalia, Kenya, Uganda, and Ethiopia. Communities already recovering from drought, displacement, and reduced humanitarian funding are considered especially vulnerable.

In Somalia, heavy rainfall in the Ethiopian Highlands and local seasonal rains are expected to raise river levels, increasing the risk of flooding, contaminated water supplies, and outbreaks of cholera and acute watery diarrhea. Kenya and Uganda are also preparing for heightened flood risks later this year. Experts are urging governments and donors to invest in early warning systems and anticipatory action to protect lives and livelihoods before the worst impacts occur.

Source: International Rescue Committee (IRC).