Mathare flood survivors find safety but bear lasting scars two years later

Two years have passed since the catastrophic floods swept through Nairobi's Mathare neighborhood, displacing thousands and destroying homes. For 22-year-old Wendy Ochieng and her family, the memory of losing everything is still vivid, though they now reside on higher ground, away from the immediate danger.

The move to safer terrain offers a sense of security, but the trauma of the event lingers. The floods not only washed away physical belongings but also left deep emotional scars on survivors. Rebuilding lives involves more than just constructing new homes; it requires addressing the psychological toll of such a devastating experience.

Mathare's experience serves as a stark reminder of the vulnerability of informal settlements to climate change impacts. While immediate safety has been achieved for some, the long-term process of recovery and resilience-building continues, emphasizing the need for sustainable solutions and support systems for communities repeatedly affected by such disasters.

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Two years after floodwaters swept through her neighbourhood, forcing her family to leave everything behind, 22-year-old Wendy Ochieng now lives on higher ground.