The death toll from the nationwide flood disaster has tragically risen to 277, with one additional fatality reported on Monday.
A statement released by the Ministry of Interior revealed that the floods, which began in March due to heavy rains associated with El Niño, have affected over 290,000 people across the country. Furthermore, 75 individuals remain missing, and a staggering 58,009 households have been displaced.
The Ministry highlighted that Tana River, Garissa, Lamu, and Narok counties have experienced severe flooding in the past 24 hours. This situation has been exacerbated by heavy rains in the Central region catchment area, leading to landslides and overflowing rivers.
The latest weather forecast indicates that most regions of the country will experience sunny intervals throughout the week, with occasional rainfall and thunderstorms expected in 37 counties, including those in the Lake Victoria Basin, Western Rift Valley, Central, Eastern, Coast, and Nairobi regions.
The Ministry also noted ongoing flood impacts in several other counties, including Busia, Homabay, Kisumu, Machakos, Makueni, Kilifi, Nakuru, Turkana, Isiolo, Migori, Kajiado, Nairobi, Nyandarua, Kiambu, and Muranga. Relief efforts are underway in these regions to provide aid to affected communities.
“Flooding is anticipated in low-lying and riparian areas, as well as urban regions, while areas with steep slopes, escarpments, and ravines may face the risk of landslides and mudslides. Additionally, Lakes Victoria and Baringo are expected to continue causing backflow and flooding in counties within their basins,” the Ministry stated.
Furthermore, the overflow of the Seven Forks Dams poses a significant threat, exacerbating flooding in the Tana Delta and impacting Garissa, Tana River, and Lamu counties.
In light of these forecasts and ongoing challenges, authorities are actively monitoring the situation and coordinating response efforts to mitigate the impact of the floods on affected communities.
