The death toll due to floods in Kenya has risen to 76, with 29 people injured and 19 still missing, as ongoing heavy rainfall continues to wreak havoc across the country. Nairobi is currently experiencing the highest impact, with a significant death toll of 32 and 16,909 households displaced. In total, 24,196 households comprising about 131,450 people have been displaced.
Authorities have ordered more evacuations of people from at-risk areas, with the government and humanitarian agencies setting up 50 camps across the country to house those displaced. The Kenyan Red Cross has been actively involved in rescue operations, having saved more than 300 people since the heavy rain began in March.
Tragically, a distressing incident occurred in Makueni County, southern Kenya, where a truck carrying people was swept away by raging waters. This incident underscores the urgent need for proactive measures to ensure the safety of citizens.
Kenyan President William Ruto has authorized emergency crews to forcibly evacuate people living along riverbanks and other vulnerable areas. Ruto emphasized the importance of moving citizens away from dangerous zones to prevent further loss of life.
According to the Red Cross, 26 out of Kenya's 47 counties have been affected by the flooding, highlighting the widespread impact of the natural disaster. The Kenya Meteorological Department has issued a warning that heavy rainfall will persist in various parts of the country, including Nairobi, although the intensity is expected to decrease by Sunday.
Furthermore, the flooding in East Africa has not been limited to Kenya, as Tanzania and Burundi have also been grappling with the consequences. Tanzanian Prime Minister Kassim Majaliwa reported that at least 155 people have lost their lives due to flooding in the country.
