This archive report was first published on 20 October 2019.
Heavy Rains Wreak Havoc Across Kenya, 20 Dead ¶
Heavy rains have caused widespread destruction and flooding across Kenya, resulting in at least 20 deaths and displacing over 20,000 households.
According to the Kenya Red Cross Society, 18 deaths have been documented so far, with four each in Marakwet, Kitui, Meru, and Turkana, and two in Wajir.
The Kenya Meteorological Department has warned that rainfall intensities are likely to increase in parts of the northeast, the highlands east and west of the Rift Valley, the southeast lowlands, and the coast.
Red Cross Communications Manager Peter Abwao urged Kenyans to observe safety measures, including carrying umbrellas, being on the lookout for flash floods, and not driving or walking through flooded areas.
Abwao also announced that the Red Cross is planning to set up camps for displaced families, particularly in Wajir and Mandera, where thousands of households have been affected.
Heavy downpours have also caused destruction in western Kenya, with Busia bearing the greatest brunt of crop destruction on farms.
Residents in Teso North and South in Busia have been left counting losses after waters swept away their crops and waterlogged their houses.
Several families have been left homeless in Kamolo, Katanyu, and Onyunyur villages in Teso North and Akiriamasi and Ngelechom in Teso South.
Red Cross plans rescue operations while monitoring Nyando and Budalang'i that are prone to floods.
Heavy rains have also affected an estimated 500 residents of Yimbo East ward in Bondo, Siaya, with the rain destroying farmland around the expansive Yala swamp.
Area MCA Francis Otiato said the rain has destroyed farmland, killed animals, and left some homesteads submerged.
He also accused Dominion farm of building an illegal weir above initial allowable heights, which has caused major flooding in Achuodho and Magombe.
