This archive report was first published on 5 May 2020.
As the world grapples with the COVID-19 pandemic, Kenya is facing a devastating crisis of its own. Heavy rainfall has caused widespread flooding, resulting in the loss of 164 lives and displacing thousands of people.
According to data compiled by Johns Hopkins University, the global COVID-19 death toll has surpassed 251,059, with over 3.5 million confirmed cases and nearly 1.2 million recoveries.
Minister Eugene Wamalwa, who toured the affected Budalangi constituency in western Kenya, described the situation as 'one of the most affected areas.' He noted that the current floods are the worst Kenya has witnessed in years.
Residents have been forced to set up makeshift shelters on higher ground, as seen in this photo taken on May 2, 2020, in Nyadorera, Siaya County. (REUTERS/Thomas Mukoya)
Wamalwa urged residents to move to higher ground and allow the construction of proposed dams and dykes by the government as a long-term solution. The government has been working to mitigate the effects of the floods, but the situation remains dire.
