The government has announced that the number of casualties related to floods has greatly reduced despite the ongoing heavy rains.
In a statement on Monday, April 6, government spokesperson Isaac Mwaura congratulated Kenyans for their cooperation in navigating the floods.
He lauded citizens for their extra vigilance and responsiveness to flood warnings and evacuation orders noting that it was bearing fruits.
“We applaud Kenyans for their extra vigilance and responsiveness to flood warnings and evacuation orders. This cooperation is bearing fruit as flood related casualties have significantly reduced,” noted the spokesperson.
Despite the positive response, Mwaura announced that one person died as a result of the floods in Kirinyaga.
“However, we mourn the loss of 1 adult who died by drowning in Kirinyaga County,” Mwaura said.
Deaths & Displaced Kenyans
On May 5, Mwaura announced that the total flood-related death toll rose to 228 after nine more people were reported dead.
The ongoing flooding has also resulted in the injury of 164 Kenyans while 72 persons are currently reported missing.
Furthermore, approximately 212,630 people, from 42,526 households have been displaced while the total number of persons affected across the country stands at 223,198.
“The country continues to endure heavy rainfall especially in the Lake Victoria basin, the Rift Valley. Highlands West and East of the Rift Valley including Nairobi area and South-Eastern lowlands,” he said.
“Sadly, these conditions are expected to persist, with the heavy rainfall extending to Northern Kenya until today.”
Also Read: Homes Submerged & Major Road Flooded After River Nyando Broke its Banks
He announced that occasional moderate to heavy rainfall is likely to continue over the Western region, Lake Victoria Basin, Rift Valley, Central, Eastern and Nairobi.
Besides, the Coastal Strip (Kwale. Mombasa, Kilifi, Lamu) is likely to see moderate to heavy rainfall offshore which may occasionally propagate inland, accompanied by strong winds and large waves.
“In response to the escalating risk to citizens residing near high-risk dams and water reservoirs, the government continues to affect the 24-Hour evacuation notice issued on May 2,’ Mwaura said.
“The Government is facilitating logistical support, providing alternative accommodation and essential supplies to those affected.”
Also Read: Govt Gives Update on Cyclone Hidaya Threat in Kenya
Floods Alert & Worst Hit Counties
He directed that the continuing rainfall in the Central region and the overflow of the Seven Forks Dams will exacerbate the flooding in the Tana Delta, impacting Garissa, Tana River, and Lamu Counties.
Additionally, the continued rainfall in Western Kenya and highlands West of the Rift Valley will aggravate the flooding in Homa Bay and Kisumu counties.
This will also worsen the backflow of Lake Victoria which has affected Dunga beach, Remba island, Kobuya, Simbi Nyaima, Sindo and other areas along the lake basin.
According to Mwaura, Homa Bay, Kajiado, Nakuru, Mandera and Nairobi are the worst hit counties, suffering extensive flooding and significant disruptions to daily life and economic activities.
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