Kenya delays school reopening as fatalities from flood hits 100

Kenya has announced a one-week delay in the reopening of schools due to severe flooding triggered by heavy rains, with flood-related fatalities nearing a grim milestone of 100 since mid-March.

The Education Ministry revealed on Sunday night that numerous schools continue to grapple with the adverse effects of the flooding, with over 100 educational institutions inundated, some witnessing structural damage such as collapsed walls and roofs torn off, according to local media reports.

Originally scheduled to resume classes on Monday, all schools will now commence the academic term on May 6.

The toll of the flooding in Kenya has reached 93 casualties, with fears of further escalation following a tragic boat capsizing incident in the northern Garissa county on Sunday night. While the Kenyan Red Cross managed to rescue 23 individuals from the capsized vessel, more than a dozen remain missing.

Since mid-March, relentless downpours have besieged the nation, prompting warnings from the Meteorology Department of continued rainfall.

The East African region grapples with widespread flooding, with Tanzania reporting 155 fatalities and over 200,000 individuals affected in neighboring Burundi.

Nairobi, the Kenyan capital, has recorded the highest number of casualties according to police records.

The country’s principal airport encountered flooding on Saturday, resulting in flight diversions, as distressing visuals of inundated runways, terminals, and cargo sections circulated online.

Over 200,000 Kenyans have been impacted by the deluge, with homes in flood-prone areas submerged and displaced individuals seeking refuge in schools.

In response to the crisis, President William Ruto has directed the National Youth Service to allocate land for the establishment of temporary shelters for affected populations.