Farmers from Mtito Andei and Masongelani areas in Makueni County have reported significant losses due to drought, despite heavy rainfall and floods in other parts of the country.
Speaking to the media, the farmers explained that these two areas have not received any rainfall, even as other regions battle with flooding.
The farmers lamented that the prolonged drought has caused their crops to wither in the fields.
“We have no hope of harvesting because the maize and all other crops have dried up, and there is nothing we can do about it,” said Faith Muia, a farmer in Makueni.
As such, the farmers asked the government to provide them with water and food since they are not expecting any harvest.
“We are asking the government to assist us with food because we will not be able to harvest anything,” they emphasized.
Earlier in the year, Kenya Meteorological Department (KMD) stated that there was going to be heavy rainfall across the country, but this was not going to affect counties like Makueni.
Govt Floods Update
In the latest update on floods, the government said 289 people have died and 188 others injured due to the severe weather conditions.
Government Spokesperson Dr Isaac Mwaura said 57,120 households have been displaced by floods affecting approximately 285,600 people with 187 camps set up across 25 Counties.
Besides, Mwaura said the total number of health facilities damaged stands at 62 in 11 Counties while the damage on agriculture spans 168,092 acres of land with approximately 8,722 livestock reported dead.
The floods have also affected a total of 1,967 schools and the government is fast-tracking the repair of damaged infrastructure in the affected institutions.
“Areas prone to landslides and mudslides in various counties have also been identified as high-risk areas and adjacent settlements are being evacuated, with sites for temporary shelters constructed for the displaced persons,” Mwaura said.
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Train Operations & Beach Activities
Additionally, the government suspended train operations from Nairobi Limuru Longonot, Nairobi Lukenya, Nairobi Embakasi, Nairobi Nakuru – Kisumu and Nairobi – Nanyuki.
“The government is carrying out assessments of damaged roads and mobilizing resources to address critical sections and restore safe travel. We urge all road users to exercise caution while using the identified roads,” he said.
However, beach activities, fishing, swimming, and transport activities along the Coast region shoreline in Kwale, Mombasa, Kilifi and Lamu resumed from a suspension that ended Monday, May 6th, 2024.
Also Read: Several Feared Dead in Kiambu Landslide
Rainfall Forecast
Further, the government warned that flooding is expected in low lying areas, riparian areas, and urban areas while landslides may occur in areas with steep slopes, escarpments, and ravines.
Lakes Victoria and Baringo are also projected to continue causing backflow and flooding of Counties in the Lake Victoria and Lake Baringo Basins.
The overflow of the Seven Forks Dams is likely to exacerbate flooding in the Tana Delta and impacting Garissa, Tana River, and Lamu Counties.
Favorable weather was forecasted in the Northeastern (Isiolo, Wajir, Mandera, Garissa) Northwestern (Turkana, Marsabit) and Southeastern (Taita Taveta, Kitui, Tana River) regions.
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