Death toll from Kenya floods reaches 179, evacuati...

Death toll from Kenya floods reaches 179, evacuations underway

NAIROBI, Xinhua - At least 179 people have been killed in devastating flooding triggered by heavy rains in Kenya, a government official said Wednesday.

Government Spokesperson Isaac Mwaura said that 164 adults and 15 children have died from flood-related incidents, with 90 others reported missing nationwide. Additionally, 124 people have been injured and are receiving treatment in various health facilities.

The heavy rains and flooding have displaced 188 000 people, prompting the government to establish a displacement camp to provide alternative accommodation, he said in a statement issued in Nairobi, the capital of Kenya.

The Cabinet on Tuesday ordered residents of flood-prone areas across the country to evacuate or be forcibly moved. “These include areas near dams and other water reservoirs in public or private land, areas prone to mudslides and landslides, and riparian lands along rivers and other water courses across the country,” it said.

The government has put in place measures to support evacuation and temporary shelter for those affected, with public spaces identified for temporary shelter and provision of essential supplies.

“While the government encourages voluntary evacuation, all those who remain within the areas affected by the directive will be relocated forcibly in the interest of their safety,” the Cabinet said.

The Cabinet also disclosed that water levels at Masinga and Kiambere dams have reached historic highs. Masinga recorded its highest levels ever, surpassing those recorded on May 7, 2020. Similarly, Kiambere Dam registered its highest levels ever on April 26, surpassing the previous historic levels recorded on Nov. 29, 1997.

A dam burst on Sunday night in the town of Mai Mahiu, about 60 kilometers north of Nairobi, killed 48 people and affected many others. Meantime, the resultant effects downstream, especially in Garissa and Tana River counties in eastern Kenya, could worsen the already dire situation, the Cabinet said.

Large swathes of land along Kenya's longest Tana River are currently submerged, displacing thousands of people and impacting lives and livelihoods. Residents of the two affected counties and those living near other dams and water reservoirs must evacuate in accordance with the Cabinet's directive.

Rescue workers fear that the death toll could rise as the ongoing heavy rainfall is expected to continue this week, with floods and landslides predicted in some areas. Roads and bridges have been washed away, leaving several parts of the country inaccessible and disrupting business. The government's national multi-agency emergency response committee is working on various initiatives to help those affected by the floods.

“We call upon all Kenyans to remain vigilant and adhere to safety guidelines and observe flood alerts,” Mwaura said, urging Kenyans to cooperate fully with emergency responders and local authorities during evacuations and rescue operations.