Floods and the Mental Toll of Childbirth in Tana Delta: A Humanitarian Crisis

In the Tana Delta region of Kenya, a calamity struck on a fateful morning that altered the lives of many, especially expectant mothers. Torrential rains and the chaotic aftermath of a storm left the Tana River county in ruins, forcing thousands to flee their homes. Among those affected was Mary Wanje, 38, a pregnant mother, whose desperate struggle for survival amidst the flooding underscores the severe challenges faced by many in flood-prone areas.

This story is not unique. The intersection of climate change, poor infrastructure, and limited healthcare resources has led to a humanitarian crisis for the people of Tana River. These floods, worsened by erratic weather patterns, bring not only physical devastation but also severe emotional and mental trauma, particularly for women during childbirth.

The Harsh Reality of Climate Change in Tana Delta

The heavy rains that lashed Tana River in March, April, and May 2024 led to the displacement of 13,000 people, with 14 dead and nine others missing, according to the Kenya Red Cross. Mary Wanje’s story is a vivid illustration of how vulnerable these communities are to the effects of climate change. “The heavy rains brought calamity. When we woke up, some houses were already submerged,” Wanje recalled. As she fled with her two children, a collapsing house injured her leg, and moments later, she went into labor amid the chaos of rising floodwaters.

“I screamed for help, but everyone was running for safety. I placed my child down and gave birth next to some water running through a road,” she tearfully recounted. A group of women helped her deliver the baby and cut the placenta. But with no healthcare facility nearby, she had to gather her newborn and her other children and continue seeking refuge. Wanje’s traumatic experience, though physically survivable, left lasting mental scars.

Mental Health Struggles Amid Natural Disasters

The trauma of surviving a natural disaster like flooding often extends far beyond the immediate danger. Mental health disorders such as anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) have been identified as common outcomes for those affected by climate-related hazards. A 2024 study published in the journal Climate Change Impacts on Health Across the Life Course highlights how women, particularly pregnant women and new mothers, are disproportionately affected.

In Wanje’s case, the fear, panic, and exhaustion of giving birth in such dire circumstances, followed by the grueling task of carrying her newborn to safety, would undoubtedly contribute to long-term emotional distress. This kind of mental trauma is often neglected, especially in remote areas like Tana Delta, where healthcare services are limited.

For many women in this region, mental health challenges are compounded by the absence of supportive healthcare. A lack of access to hospitals, counseling services, or even basic medical care during and after childbirth only worsens their suffering. Without these services, the emotional toll of surviving a disaster, compounded by the physical exhaustion of childbirth, can have devastating effects on both mothers and their newborns.

The Tragic Losses of Pregnant Women Fleeing Floods

Mary Wanje’s story is tragic, but she is not alone. Another mother, Saria Elema, 24, from Mwanja village, recounted her devastating experience of miscarrying while fleeing the floods. “I tried to walk carefully to avoid falling down, but then I felt a sharp pain,” Elema said. Initially dismissing the pain as fatigue, she soon realized that she had lost her baby.

This was not the first time Elema had suffered a miscarriage. Last year, she lost another pregnancy under similarly harsh conditions, while seeking refuge from floods. As she reflected on her experiences, she struggled to understand if it was her own actions that led to the miscarriages, or if the sheer physical strain of fleeing had caused the loss of her unborn child. Her story, like Wanje’s, illustrates the intersection of climate disasters and the severe lack of reproductive health support in Tana River.

These heartbreaking experiences are not isolated incidents. Many women in the region suffer miscarriages or experience complications during childbirth due to the physically taxing nature of fleeing floods, combined with limited or non-existent medical services. According to Tana River reproductive health coordinator Hawa Abdul, five women gave birth while running to safety during floods earlier this year. Unfortunately, not all stories had happy endings, with two women and their babies losing their lives in the process.

Fathers’ Silent Struggles

The emotional toll of these disasters is not confined to women. Men, too, suffer deeply, although cultural norms often prevent them from expressing their feelings. Mohamed Kone, 46, lost his child as he and his pregnant wife trekked 10 kilometers to escape the rising waters. “Do you know how it feels to walk all those kilometers with your pregnant wife?” Kone asked, his voice heavy with frustration and grief.

In their culture, men are discouraged from openly discussing their emotions. Kone admitted that he felt depressed and powerless after the loss, but societal expectations forced him to suppress his feelings. His experience highlights the importance of addressing the mental health needs of both men and women in disaster-affected regions, where cultural taboos often prevent men from seeking help.

The Urgent Need for Healthcare and Mental Health Services

The healthcare infrastructure in Tana River is woefully inadequate to address the needs of those affected by floods. Hospitals are few and far between, and the nearest medical facilities are often cut off by flooded roads. In the absence of basic healthcare services, women like Wanje and Elema are left to navigate childbirth and miscarriage on their own, with little to no medical assistance.

The Kenya Demographic Health Survey 2022 revealed that Tana River has one of the highest unmet needs for family planning, second only to Marsabit. This lack of access to reproductive health services contributes to the suffering of women in the region, who are often left to face pregnancy, childbirth, and miscarriage without proper medical care.

Tana River County has made some efforts to address these issues by integrating antenatal and postnatal care into services provided at makeshift camps for displaced people. However, much more needs to be done to provide adequate mental health support. Currently, the county has no formal system for addressing the mental trauma experienced by those affected by floods. The International Organization for Migration (IOM) has partnered with the county government to offer psychosocial counseling as part of antenatal and postnatal care, but the reach of these services is limited.

Hawa Abdul, the reproductive health coordinator for Tana River, acknowledged that while some progress has been made, there is an urgent need for a structured system of mental health support. She emphasized the importance of creating permanent facilities where women can receive counseling and emotional care, rather than relying solely on temporary camps during floods.

Searching for Long-Term Solutions

As floods continue to wreak havoc in Tana Delta and other flood-prone regions, it is clear that both immediate and long-term solutions are needed. The county government must prioritize the establishment of permanent healthcare facilities, particularly in areas that are frequently affected by floods. These facilities should be equipped to handle not only physical health issues but also the mental health challenges faced by those affected by climate disasters.

Moreover, there is a pressing need for community education on the importance of mental health. Stigmas surrounding mental illness, especially among men, must be addressed through awareness campaigns and community-based counseling programs. By creating safe spaces for both women and men to discuss their experiences and seek help, the community can begin to heal from the emotional scars left by these recurring disasters.

The stories of women like Mary Wanje and Saria Elema highlight the urgent need for healthcare reform in Tana River. Without proper medical and mental health support, the cycle of suffering will continue, leaving countless families devastated by the dual burden of physical and emotional trauma. As climate change continues to exacerbate the frequency and intensity of natural disasters, it is imperative that Kenya and other nations take steps to protect the most vulnerable members of society—especially women and children—during these trying times.