This archive report was first published on 3 December 2019.
Heavy rains have left a trail of destruction in Kenya, claiming at least 132 lives and displacing over 17,000 people.
According to government spokesman Col Rtd Cyrus Oguna, the floods have affected most parts of the country, with the worst-hit areas including Lamu, Kwale, Mombasa, Kilifi, Tana River, and Taita Taveta counties.
On Sunday, two women drowned while trying to cross River Magada in East Seme Ward, Kisumu County. Two others drowned on Monday in Taita Taveta and Kwale counties while attempting to cross rivers.
The Kenya Meteorological Department warned that the heavy rains would persist until the end of the month, and Kenyans should be on the lookout for landslides and overflowing rivers.
Acting Deputy Director of KMD Bernard Chanzu said most parts of western Kenya, the Lake Basin region, and Rift Valley are expected to experience strong rainfall this week.
Coast regional coordinator John Elungata identified Tana Delta and Voi as the most flood-prone areas in the region.
MPs in Isiolo appealed to the Devolution ministry to provide immediate food aid to families affected by the floods, with at least 550 households displaced in Iresaboru and Gafarsa.
The Kenya Red Cross Society (KRCS) reported that 1,112 people in Tana River, 302 in Taita Taveta, and 60 people in Kilifi have been affected by the floods.
‘We did not expect Wundanyi to flood and this is the first time the area is experiencing floods after heavy rains. This calls for all people to be cautious,’ said KRCS Coast Regional Manager Hassan Musa.
