Geoscience Reference
In-Depth Information
Chapter 19
Natural Hazards and Climate Change
in Kenya: Minimizing the Impacts
on Vulnerable Communities Through
Early Warning Systems
Nilmi Senaratna , Marie-Ange Baudoin , Alice A. Oluoko-Odingo ,
Linda Ajuang , Daniel W. Wepukhulu , and Ayub S. Mwadali
Abstract
Disasters are an important cause of impoverishment in Africa, and Kenya
is 1 of 11 countries in the world most at risk of disaster-induced poverty. In 2011
alone, 106 million people around the world were affected by fl oods: the highest
number of victims were located in the Horn of Africa, where Kenya is located.
Hence, fl oods are one of the most frequent hydro-meteorological hazards, with
droughts, affecting countries in the African Horn and resulting in heavy economic
losses as well as loss of life. By incorporating vulnerable populations into the Early
Warning Systems (EWS), and by focusing on protecting livelihoods, it is possible to
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