LIVE UPDATES: Four More Bodies Retrieved as Death Toll Rises to 82

The death toll of the raging floods caused by the heavy rains pounding different areas around the country has shot to over 82 people.

Here are the latest updates on the floods experienced in different parts of the country.

Saturday, April 27

2:00 pm: Govt Report

The Government Spokesman Dr. Isaac Mwaura updates the nation on the flooding situation and ongoing government intervention efforts at Nyayo House, Nairobi.

Mwaura says the government in collaboration with various partners is deploying support to the 131,450 affected households across the country.

The spokesperson announces that the Seven Fork dams are full to the brim and are expected to overflow, urging residents staying in these areas to move to higher grounds.

According to the government, 29 Kenyans have been injured, and 19 missing persons have been reported.

Nairobi is currently experiencing the highest impact, with a significant death toll of 32 and 16,909 households displaced.

The Kenya Coast Guard, National Police Service, and Kenya Defense Forces are collaborating to step up search and rescue services.

1:00 pm: Death Toll Rises

The national death toll now stands at 82 after four more bodies were retrieved in different rivers where the victims were swept away by floods.

Three of the bodies have been retrieved from River Kwa Muswii in Kaikeo, Makueni County where a lorry that was to ferry more than 15 people across the river was swept away by floods.

The death toll from the tragic incident now stands at eight as five bodies were earlier retrieved on Friday.

Elsewhere in Mathare, the death stands at 15 as one more body was retrieved in the ongoing find mission.

12:06 pm: Kenya Red Cross

The team announces that it has managed to evacuate eight people to safety from Qahira Farm in Sankuri Ward, Balambala, Garissa County.

In addition, Kenya Red Cross announces that its response team is now heading to Najah Farm in Iftin, Garissa Township following reports of other marooned people.

9:58 am: Kenya Red Cross

The Kenya Red Cross announced that part of its team is en route to Qahira farm in Balambala, Garissa, in response to distress calls from marooned individuals. In a statement, Red Cross revealed that it has deployed a rescue boat with an aqua rescue team.

Friday, April 26

9.23 pm: TARDA
The Tana and Athi River Development Authority (TARDA) announced on Friday that the Masinga Dam is experiencing spillage, resulting in accelerated water flow downstream.

In a statement, TARDA urged residents to remain vigilant and follow any advisories issued by local authorities.

“TARDA is collaborating with relevant agencies to closely monitor the situation, providing necessary advisories to ensure the well-being of everyone in the area. Your safety remains our utmost priority,” noted the authority.

River Kwa Musii Tragedy

The Kenya Red Cross team by the end of April 26, 2024, confirmed that five bodies were retrieved in the evening from River Kwa Musii in Kaikeo, Makueni County.

This came after a lorry that was to ferry more than 15 people across the river was swept away by floods.

According to the Kenya Red Cross, their team has since rescued 11 of those who were on board the ill- fated Lorry.

More than 15 people were boarding the lorry that was also carrying ballasts with the hope of crossing the swollen river that residents said had been impossible since morning.

Seconds into the journey, the driver lost control as the swollen River won the strength of Wheels.

Eight people are so far listed as missing with the exact number of those who boarded the lorry yet to be established.

Red Cross Emergency Contacts :(+254) 703 037 000

Toll Free: 1199

According to the government, more than 75 people have been killed by floods across the country with over 131,000 families displaced.

Rescued from floods

The Kenya Red Cross announced the successful evacuation of 41 people (30 adults and 11 children) in Kilifi County.

According to the Red Cross, the neighborhood was marooned due to the overflowing of River Sabaki.

As the rains continue, the Kenya National highways Authority (KeNHA) on its part notified the public to avoid using the old Athi River bridge.

Also Read: LIVE UPDATES: 10 People Swept Away by Floods While Crossing River

The authority said the bridge has been severely damaged by the heavy rains and is on the verge of collapsing and posing significant danger to both pedestrians and motorists.

Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua announced that Ksh4 billion has been set aside as a national intervention fund towards mitigation of the effects of floods.

According to DP Gachaua, the funds will be used to settle victims in camps provide food reconstruct and unblock drainages.

He further added that the National Youth Service (NYS), Kenya Police, the Coast Guard and Ministry of interior will be funded adequately to assist in Disaster Response.

Schools to re-open

The government has assured Kenyans that schools will reopen as scheduled next week save for those that have been extremely affected by floods that will experience a few days delay.

Education PS Belio Kipsang said the Ministry is working with counties to ensure safety of children as they return to school for the second term.

According to the Ministry of Education, 64 schools have been substantially affected by floods.

In Nairobi, the search for more bodies in Matahre area entered its fourth day on Saturday with a number of families reporting missing loved ones.

The death toll in Mathare now stands at 14 following the recovery of four more bodies on Thursday.

Latest forecast by the Kenya Met Department predicts continuous rainfall in various parts of Kenya, with heavy downpours expected in the Highlands East and West of the Rift Valley, Lake Victoria Basin, Rift Valley, South-eastern lowlands, Coastal areas, North-western, and North-eastern regions. Stay safe!

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