More people confirmed killed in Kenya’ severe floods
Kenya has been grappling with the devastating aftermath of weeks of relentless rains and floods, with the death toll climbing to 228, according to authorities.
Despite a tropical cyclone weakening after landfall in neighbouring Tanzania, Kenya remains inundated with torrential downpours, exacerbating the ongoing crisis.
In a particularly alarming development, the River Nyando in western Kenya breached its banks early Sunday, engulfing vital infrastructure in the town of Ahero, Kisumu County. A police station, school, hospital, and market were among the facilities affected, raising concerns about the safety of residents in the region.
While there have been no immediate reports of casualties from the latest deluge, local authorities caution that water levels are still rising, posing a threat to communities. The situation is further compounded by the submersion of the main bridge outside Kisumu on the highway to Nairobi, disrupting crucial transportation routes.
The catastrophic flooding and landslides across East Africa are attributed to weeks of heavier-than-usual seasonal rains, exacerbated by the El Niño weather pattern. The toll on human life and displacement of populations underscores the region’s vulnerability to the impacts of climate change.
Isaac Mwaura, a government spokesman in Kenya, emphasized the severity of the situation during a briefing on Sunday, stressing the need for urgent action.
While Tanzania was spared major damage from Tropical Cyclone Hidaya, which weakened after hitting Mafia Island, Kenya braces for further rainfall and potential hazards. Mwaura noted that although the cyclone’s impact had lessened, strong winds and waves along the coast pose additional risks.
Tragically, the disaster in Kenya has claimed the lives of 228 individuals since March, with dozens still reported missing. Over 212,000 people have been displaced, with many forced to evacuate their homes either by coercion or voluntarily, according to government statistics.
