This archive report was first published on 20 October 2019.
Heavy Rains Wreak Havoc in Kenya ¶
Heavy rains have pounded Kenya for several days, resulting in the deaths of at least 20 people and displacing thousands of households.
The Kenya Red Cross Society has documented 18 deaths so far, with four each in Marakwet, Kitui, Meru, and Turkana, and two in Wajir.
According to the Kenya Meteorological Department, 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 warned that the situation could worsen due to ongoing rains and urged Kenyans to observe safety measures, including carrying umbrellas, being on the lookout for flash floods, and not driving, walking, or swimming through flooded areas.
Abwao also stated that the Red Cross is assessing whether temporary shelters are needed for displaced families, particularly in Wajir and Mandera, where thousands of households have been affected.
Two people were reported dead in Turkana County after flash floods wreaked havoc in the area, with hundreds of villagers marooned in both Turkana Central and Loima sub-county.
Turkana Central Sub-County Police Commander David Mburukwa said that the two died after floods swept away livestock and marooned villagers.
Heavy downpours have also affected parts of western Kenya, with Busia bearing the greatest brunt of crop destruction on farms.
Already, an alert has been given over floods in Teso North and South in Busia, where hundreds of residents are counting losses after waters swept away their crops and waterlogged their houses.
Red Cross plans rescue operations while monitoring Nyando and Budalang'i that are prone to floods.
Heavy downpours have also affected an estimated 500 residents of Yimbo East ward in Bondo, with area MCA Francis Otiato saying the rain has destroyed farmland around the expansive Yala swamp.
