Heavy rains in Kenya have resulted in the deaths of at least 13 people and the displacement of 15,000 others, according to the United Nations. Nearly 20,000 people have been affected by heavy rains and flash floods across the country since the start of the wet season in mid-March. Kenya has seen thousands of deaths from flooding in previous rainy seasons, mostly in lake regions and downstream of major rivers. The Kenya Red Cross Society has reported that five major roads have been cut off by floods, including the Garissa Road where a bus carrying 51 passengers was swept away on Tuesday. All passengers were rescued.
The Kenya Red Cross Society has issued a flood warning to residents of Lamu, Tana River, and Garissa counties, which are downstream of the Tana River, after flooding breached dams upstream. Residents in these areas have been urged to move to higher ground to avoid further danger. Mudslides have also been reported in central regions, with four people killed in Narok county. The Kenya Red Cross Society’s secretary-general, Ahmed Idris, has stated that lifesaving assistance, including shelter and clean drinking water, is being provided to those displaced and living in camps to prevent outbreaks of waterborne diseases.
Currently, nine out of 47 counties in Kenya have reported flooding incidents, with the rainy season expected to peak towards the end of April and subside in June, according to the meteorology department. The heavy rains have led to the flooding of nearly 12,000 homes along Russia’s Kazakhstan border, further exacerbating the situation. With more rains expected in the coming months, the need for support and assistance for those affected by the floods is crucial. The United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs has been working closely with the Kenya Red Cross Society to provide aid to those impacted by the floods.
Efforts are being made to ensure that those affected by the floods have access to necessary resources and support, including shelter and clean drinking water, to prevent the spread of diseases. The need for humanitarian assistance in the affected areas remains high, as thousands of people have been displaced and are in need of basic necessities. As the rainy season continues, it is essential for residents in flood-prone areas to take precautions and heed warnings from authorities to ensure their safety. The government and humanitarian organizations are working together to address the challenges posed by the heavy rains and flooding, but continued support and assistance will be vital in the coming months as the situation evolves.
