This archive report was first published on 22 April 2020.
Kenya is bracing for more rainfall throughout the week, according to the Kenya Meteorological Department, which has warned residents to expect heavy rainfall and potential flooding.
As of now, several areas have already reported massive destruction from landslides and floods caused by the heavy rainfall, including West Pokot and Elgeyo Marakwet counties.
Flash floods and mudslides were reported at Chesogon market, located along the border of West Pokot and Elgeyo Marakwet counties, resulting in 15 lives lost and 22 people reported missing.
West Pokot is among the areas severely affected by heavy rainfall, with over 40 people losing their lives in November and December 2019 due to massive landslides.
Additionally, three people have lost their lives, including two minors, to mudslides in Kipkelion West Constituency, Kericho County, with tens of people displaced and their houses destroyed.
Red Cross officials are currently assessing the damage in the affected areas, including Kapkese, Kamiwa, Rwandet, Timbilil, and Kipteden village.
Furthermore, River Nyando has burst its banks due to heavy rainfall, displacing and rendering hundreds of residents homeless in Nyando Sub County, Kisumu County.
Several families have also been displaced in Budalangi Constituency, Busia County, after they were forced to evacuate their homes due to flooding from River Nzoia.
The Kenya Meteorological Department has listed areas likely to be affected by floods, including Kwale, Kilifi, Elgeyo Marakwet, Mombasa, Lamu, Tana-River, Taita Taveta, Nairobi, Nyeri, Kiambu, Narok, Nyandarua, Murang’a, and Embu among other counties.
Residents are advised to avoid driving through or walking in moving water or open fields and to seek shelter in higher grounds to minimize exposure to lightning strikes.
