This archive report was first published on 12 May 2020.
Kenya Floods Uproot Families, Complicating Coronavirus Fight ¶
Published on May 12, 2020
Heavy rains in western Kenya have left tens of thousands of people displaced, making it difficult for them to follow COVID-19 guidelines, while the government fights to contain the outbreak.
John Otieno, a resident of Kogelo village, was caught off guard when floodwaters hit his home and farm in late April, sweeping away his buildings and poultry, and destroying six acres of maize.
"We woke up to massive floods in the morning from the Nyando River, and my entire farm and houses were swept away," Otieno said. "I only saved my two goats."
According to Peter Abwao, a spokesman for the Kenya Red Cross, about 17,000 households, each with an average of six members, have been affected by floods, with 10,000 families left homeless in the western part of the country.
The aid agency has been working with the Kisumu County government to get those displaced by the floods relocated to more schools, so that if possible, each family has their own classroom, to be able to maintain social distancing.
However, meeting the basic needs of displaced people was difficult during a pandemic, said Julius Otieno, a community liaison officer at the Nyando Constituency Development Fund, warning that other diseases like cholera and malaria could easily break out.
"As much as the government discourages people coming together in large numbers, we have no choice at the moment as this is an emergency," he said.
Kenya has so far recorded more than 580 cases of the virus, with 26 confirmed deaths. Most infections have occurred in cities like Nairobi and Mombasa, but community transmission is also happening in other parts of the country.
Health cabinet secretary Mutahi Kagwe said in early May that people should observe the virus containment protocols recommended by the government, particularly keeping a distance of at least 2 metres (6.6 feet) from others.
"If we don't adhere to the measures, the disease will spread very quickly within our communities," he added.
May's weather forecast, from the Kenya Meteorological Department, predicted above-average rainfall during the first week of the month and near-average precipitation in the second half, with rains likely to continue into June.
Senior meteorologist Misiani Zachary warned further flooding was likely, especially in western areas that have already received lots of wet weather.
"The ongoing rains will absolutely create impassable roads for the rescue team of medics and other emergency assistance," he added.
