This archive report was first published on 13 May 2020.
Kenya is grappling with the devastating effects of heavy rains that have left a trail of destruction and loss of life.
According to Devolution Cabinet Secretary Eugene Wamalwa, the country has lost 237 people in the ongoing floods, with over 164,000 households affected and over 870,000 people displaced.
Speaking to the press on May 13, 2020, Wamalwa warned that the situation may worsen as he urged Kenyans living close to rivers and in areas prone to mudslides and landslides to be cautious.
"The floods & rising water levels in all our lakes & rivers is unprecedented & the devastation overwhelming," Wamalwa tweeted, adding that Lake Victoria last reached these levels in the 1950s and Lake Naivasha last reached these levels in 2019.
Wamalwa further stated that the ongoing rainfall will continue up to June and more people are likely to be affected.
Garissa and Mandera counties in the northern region and Tana River in the coastal region are the worst affected by the floods, Wamalwa said.
He called upon government agencies, partners, and individual donors to adhere to laid down protocols by the Ministry of Health when giving food donations.
