This archive report was first published on 4 May 2020.
As the heavy rains continue to wreak havoc across the country, it is imperative that the government takes immediate action to mitigate the effects of the floods.
According to Devolution Cabinet Secretary Eugene Wamalwa, at least 116 people have lost their lives in the past week due to floods and landslides. Thousands more have been displaced, with homes demolished and farms submerged. Major roads have been destroyed, cutting off communication in many areas and exacerbating the humanitarian crisis.
Traditionally flood-prone areas such as Busia, Kisumu, Migori, and Homa Bay counties, which border Lake Victoria, are particularly affected. However, this time around, the situation is more dire due to a combination of factors, including Lake Victoria's overflowing waters and swollen rivers.
Regions that have never experienced flooding and landslides, such as Thika, Meru, Nakuru, Kericho, and Baringo, have also been swamped, leaving many without access to basic necessities like shelter, food, and medical care.
Experts had warned of heavy rainfall this year, but the torrential downpours were not anticipated. The government's slow response to the crisis has left many vulnerable to disease and hunger, particularly in the absence of proper sanitation and hygiene facilities.
It is imperative that the national and county governments take immediate action to address the crisis. This includes evacuating those in submerged areas to safer ground, deploying emergency teams to restore damaged infrastructure, and providing health personnel to monitor coronavirus prevalence and provide medical care to the displaced.
