103 dead as floods displace over 185,000 persons
103 Kenyans have lost their lives due to the floods while 28,484 households have been with approximately 185, 297 people affected.
This is according to Government Spokesperson Isaac Mwaura, who revealed that the Rift Valley region reported the highest loss of 21 lives.
29 people have been injured and 21 persons have been reported as missing.
"Reports from Hama Bay County, indicate that the severe flash floods and mudslides, that occurred yesterday afternoon, resulted in the death of people and destruction of property at Sindo Town in Suba South Constituency. 2 bodies have so far been retrieved and search and rescue operations are underway to save lives and mitigate the situation," Mwaura stated.
Mwaura says the government is also currently conducting a needs assessment in Nairobi, Makueni, West Pokot and Machakos Counties where major flash floods have occurred. Also, search and rescue efforts are ongoing in the counties, including Garissa.
On the boat accident that occurred on Sunday at Bangale Sub-county in Tana River County involving approximately 43 people, Mwaura says 22 people have been rescued and are receiving treatment at Bura Tana Hospital and other health facilities.
"Kilifi County is also experiencing high rainfall that has caused destruction of infrastructure and displacement of a number of families. As of today, 650 households have been affected and approximately 1800 individuals have been displaced and 650 households have been displaced due to the flooding of River Sabaki and its tributaries. Additionally, four boreholes, 10 shallow water wells, approximately 500 metres of water pipes, two generators, two semi-permanent houses and about 7000 acres of farmland, have been damaged by the floods," Mwaura added.
In Magarini Sub-county, flooding from river Sabaki has affected 600 farmers with about 150 acres of farmland destroyed.
Mwaura adds that the Sub-county Disaster Emergency Response Committees in the affected areas are putting in place mitigation strategies including murraming of roads, provision of food and non-food items such as rice, beans, cooking oil, water treatment taps and mosquito nets to the affected households. Maize and horticultural crop seeds will also be distributed to the affected farmers.
"Mombasa County has been receiving moderate rainfall and has not therefore been adversely affected by the floods. Its county and sub-county disaster preparedness committees have nevertheless, been activated and public sensitization and identification of rescue centers is ongoing," Mwaura added.
Rains and floods
The Kenya Meteorological Department has alerted the public about the persistent heavy rains that are likely to affect various regions including, the Lake Victoria basin, Southeast Low Lands, Highlands East/West Rift Valley, Nairobi and NorthWestern Kenya.
The government has consequently advised the residents in these areas, to keep an eye out for flash floods and poor visibility.
"Additionally, those affected can reach the National Disaster Operations Center(NDOC) through the toll-free number 0800 721 571. In addition, a toll-free line number 1508 has been activated at the Nairobi County Emergency Operation Center(NCEOC)," Mwaura added.
