The Kenya Red Cross Head of Disaster Operations, Venant Ndhigila, has revealed that 35 people have died so far following the ongoing heavy rainfall across the country.
According to Venant, the deaths recorded were a result of Kenyans disregarding warning issues by the organization. He explained that the humanitarian organization had issued warning to Kenyans on several occasions against walking or driving in flooded areas, but they disregarded the efforts.
Additionally, he explained that people driving through water and walking through water was the reason for the high number of deaths over a short period of time.
Venant also indicated that the Kenya Red Cross had sent 19 million messages across the country to issue warnings and advise Kenyans as the heavy rainfall continued.
“As at now we are at 35 fatalities, and we are still receiving reports from our teams in the counties. As some of the missing bodies are found we take the records accordingly.
“It is concerning because we can see effects that can be avoided very easily. People are disregarding all the precaution messages. We sent out 19 million SMSs and these were meant to caution them against walking through water. However, we are seeing people driving through water, walking through water and exposing themselves to dangers,” he said.
Also Read: Murkomen Gives Way Forward on Nairobi – Nakuru Highway Floods
Red Cross on Areas Affected Most by Heavy Rainfall
In a statement released by the Kenya Red Cross approximately 23,336 households on Monday, April 22, were affected by the rain resulting in the displacement of 10,144 households.
Since the onset of the rainfall, 188 people have been rescued nationwide. Among the rescues, three individuals and their dog were rescued in Joska after being stranded due to the Athi river overflowing its banks.
Additionally, several households in Machakos County’s Kinanie, Joska, and Kamulu areas have been impacted by the overflowing Athi River, while Nairobi and Ngong Rivers have caused flooding in Kibra, South C, South B, Mukuru Kwa Njenga, Viwandani, and Kilimani.
Also Read: Passengers, Journalist Escape Death After Saturday Night Floods
Syokimau Apartments Submerged in Water
Earlier on Sunday, April 21, Kenya Red Cross dispatched a team to 360 apartments in Syokimau, Machakos County following a distress call from tenants who raised alarm over floods caused by the overnight rains.
“Following the overnight rains, our Nairobi Red Cross branch has dispatched its team to carry out assessments in the following areas due to the effects of flooding,” read part of the statement.
Other reported cases include destruction of property, and flooding of houses near drainages, rivers as well as open pit latrines.
On the other hand, the Kenya Meteorological Department indicated that heavy rainfall of more than 40mm in 24hrs is expected over areas East of the Rift Valley including Southeast Lowlands and Nairobi area and are set to likely intensify between 20th to 21st April 2024.
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