Pounding Rain Wreaks Havoc: Destruction and Injuries Reported
As heavy rainfall persists in various regions of the country, at least 23 counties are grappling with flash floods.
According to a statement released by the Kenya Red Cross on Tuesday, the downpours have impacted Nairobi, coastal areas, and the central region. Additional areas affected by the intense rainfall include the Western Highlands, Rift Valley, Lake Victoria Basin, South-eastern lowlands, and North-eastern regions.
"Since the onset of the March-April-May (MAM) rains, multiple counties have felt its effects, resulting in households being affected, displacements, establishment of displacement camps, submerged arable land, impacted businesses and livestock deaths," KRC said.
According to data from the Red Cross, 24,741 households have been significantly affected, with 11,206 being displaced due to the floods.
The Kenya Red Cross also reported that over 27,716 acres of land have been submerged, and there have been 4,824 recorded deaths of livestock.
The Red Cross has reported that at least 188 individuals have been rescued, while 27 have sustained injuries. Emergency response measures are being implemented to provide shelter for those displaced.
"The Kenya Red Cross Society has proactively prepared for these challenges by ensuring prompt emergency responses, conducting search and rescue missions, prepositioning shelter kits and distributing essential supplies," the society reported.
As of April 22, four Internally Displaced Persons (IDP) camps had been established to accommodate those displaced, with a distribution of at least 20,000 sanitation items.
The Red Cross also reported that 15 roads and 24 schools nationwide had been affected by the heavy rainfall.
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In Western Kenya, communities residing along lakes and rivers in Homa Bay, Siaya, Busia, Nyando, Nyakach, and Muhoroni may encounter flooding. Additionally, low-lying areas such as Migori, Kakamega, and Vihiga could face flooding if daily precipitation levels exceed the current rates. Regions like Narok, Kajiado, and Mombasa are also vulnerable to flooding.
Kindiki highlighted hilly areas prone to mudslides, including Makueni, Nyeri, Murang’a, and West Pokot counties. He cautioned that the weather forecast for the ongoing long rains indicates a heightened risk of flooding.
Furthermore, urban areas with congested or inadequate drainage systems, as well as public or private water reservoirs across the country, may experience flooding if the rainfall persists without interruption. In some regions, evacuation orders may be issued to ensure public safety.
"The risk of significant flooding in various parts of the country has put the government on high alert. Accordingly, the public is hereby notified to exercise caution, plan their movements and avoid risky behavior in moving waters," he cautioned.
The CS stated that the government is ready to address and minimize any negative impacts of flooding across the country.
Meanwhile, residents of Elite Court along Ole Dume Road in Nairobi's Kilimani area were evacuated on Sunday morning due to being trapped by floods inside their homes.
According to residents, the construction of a building in the neighborhood obstructed the flow of the Kirichwa Kubwa River, leading to flooding in their homes.
Kartasi Products Limited, located on Enterprise Road in Nairobi, experienced flooding for the fourth time this year, resulting in property damage and losses.
Management attributed the repeated flooding to encroachment on the Ngong River. Residents living near the river in Mukuru Kayaba, Lunga Lunga, and Soweto informal settlements suffered house destruction as the river overflowed its banks.
Nairobi County Chief Officer for Works, Geoffrey Tirop, recognized encroachment as the main issue contributing to the flooding problem.
"The main challenge is encroachment. If you go along the riverbanks, you will see actually heavy encroachment on the riparian," Engineer Tirop explained.
The flooding situation in the city could worsen, as indicated by the Kenya Meteorological Department, which has forecasted increased rainfall for the months of April and May.
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