Floods calamity: 316 e*******d to safety in Baringo

A total of 316 people have been evacuated to safety in Baringo South following a rescue mission conducted by a multi-agency team.

The multi-agency teams led by Kenya Red Cross, County Government, and Savage Wilderness, with the support of community members, conducted a series of rescue missions to bring people to safety.

Longeiwan in Baringo

In Longeiwan, 215 people were rescued, comprising 127 adults and 88 children. According to the Kenya Red Cross, efforts are ongoing to rescue additional people from surrounding villages, including Rine, Ilpunyaki, and Leswaa.

"316 people have been evacuated to safety. In Longeiwan, Baringo South, we managed to rescue 215 people: 127 adults and 88 children, thanks to a multi-agency rescue team comprising the County Government, Savage Wilderness, and community members. Efforts to reach other villages in the same sub-county continue," the Kenya Red Cross announced.

Earlier, the team had rescued 101 people in Eldume, including 43 adults and 58 children bringing the total to 316.

In a separate mission in Malaa, Machakos county, 17 people, eight adults and nine minors—were rescued from floodwaters.

However, in Sintaan, several people remain marooned. The multi-agency teams are now coordinating efforts to reach those in need of rescue.

The severe flooding has been attributed to Tropical Cyclone Hidaya, which recently made landfall at the North coast of Tanzania, bringing strong winds and large ocean waves to the coastal strip of Kenya. The Kenya Meteorological Department predicts continued heavy rainfall in the coming days.

To address the needs of those displaced by the flooding, the government has established 138 camps across 18 counties.

According to Cabinet Secretary for Interior Kithure Kindiki, these camps provide temporary shelter and essential supplies to the 62,061 people from 14,771 households who have been displaced by the ongoing floods.

Camps

The government has announced plans to establish additional camps as heavy rains persist and cause further disruption.

The existing camps offer food and non-food essentials to those affected by the floods. The government is committed to supporting the displaced until conditions improve.

Authorities are urging residents in flood-prone areas to stay vigilant and follow safety guidelines to ensure their safety during the ongoing weather crisis.