Due to heavy rains causing flooding in Kenya, nearly 100 flood-related deaths have occurred since mid-March. More than 100 schools have been affected by the flooding, with some experiencing collapsed walls and roofs blown away. The Ministry of Education announced that schools, originally scheduled to reopen on Monday, will now open on May 6. The decision to delay the reopening of schools by one week was made due to ongoing flooding across the country.
Ninety-three people have died in the flooding in Kenya, with the number of fatalities expected to rise. In Garissa county, a boat capsized on Sunday night, leading to several people still missing. The Kenyan Red Cross reported rescuing 23 people, but the search for others continues. The Meteorology Department has warned of more rainfall to come, as heavy rains have been a continuous issue in the country since mid-March. The East African region as a whole is experiencing flooding, with reports of 155 deaths in Tanzania and over 200,000 affected in Burundi.
The highest number of deaths in Kenya have occurred in Nairobi, with police records showing a significant number of fatalities in the capital city. In addition, Kenya’s main airport was flooded, leading to some flights being diverted. Videos of the flooded runway, terminals, and cargo section were shared online. The airport’s manager attributed the flooding to ongoing refurbishment work, which overwhelmed a temporary drainage system set up by the contractor. The heavy rains and subsequent flooding have caused disruption and challenges in various parts of the country.
More than 200,000 people across Kenya have been affected by the floods, with homes in flood-prone areas submerged and individuals seeking refuge in schools. In response, President William Ruto instructed the National Youth Service to provide land for use as a temporary camp for those affected by the flooding. The situation in Kenya is part of a larger issue in the East African region, where heavy rains have caused widespread flooding and significant damage. The impact of these floods has been severe, leading to loss of life, damage to infrastructure, and challenges for the affected communities.
The delay in the reopening of schools is a necessary step to ensure the safety of students and staff in the midst of the ongoing flooding crisis. The Education Ministry’s decision to postpone the reopening by one week reflects the seriousness of the situation and the need to address the challenges posed by the heavy rains. As efforts continue to mitigate the impact of the flooding and provide support to those affected, the government and relevant authorities are working to address the immediate needs and long-term consequences of the disaster. The situation in Kenya serves as a reminder of the vulnerability of communities to natural disasters and the importance of preparedness and response measures to ensure the safety and well-being of all.
