This archive report was first published on 3 December 2019.
Heavy rains have devastated parts of Kenya, resulting in over 100 deaths and affecting more than 300,000 people. The situation is dire, with the government working tirelessly to provide aid to those affected.
According to Government Spokesman Cyrus Oguna, the death toll stands at 132, with 17,000 people displaced and 11,000 livestock swept away. The floods have also destroyed crops of unknown value, with undetermined acres of farmland submerged.
Oguna disputed reports that the death toll from the West Pokot landslide is over 50, instead putting the number at 46. He highlighted that 36 bodies had been recovered and due to the duration of time since the disaster, it is unlikely that seven people who have not been recovered are still alive.
The government has offered support to the flood victims, evacuating them to safer areas and collaborating with humanitarian agencies like the Red Cross and the World Food Program. Food and non-food items, including rice, beans, cooking oil, and fortified food, have been distributed to affected communities.
Blankets, salutary towels, and iron sheets have also been provided to those in need. The North-Eastern region was the most affected, with West Pokot and Kitui receiving the most aid in terms of foodstuff.
Areas that have been termed flood-prone include the Lake Victoria basin, the lower Tana Delta Coastal, and Central regions. Residents have been advised to move to safer areas, with the government designating camps in all affected counties.
Kenya National Highway Authority (KENHA) has provided alternative routes for motorists and fixed roads that had been cut off due to floods.
