Seventy lives have tragically been claimed by the flooding in Kenya, prompting tens of thousands to evacuate their homes. President William Ruto declared a state of emergency in response to the crisis, worsened by the El Nino weather pattern.
The impact extends to Kenya, Somalia, and Ethiopia, all recovering from a severe drought.
In light of this dire situation, Ruto announced an urgent cabinet meeting slated for Monday to devise strategies for effectively managing the ongoing crisis.
In a somber address from State House, he disclosed the distressing toll: “Unfortunately we have lost 70 people across Kenya because of these rains and about 36,160 households have been displaced so far.”
Expressing deep concern, Ruto underscored the saturated condition of Kenya, citing forecasts from the Meteorological Department that predict escalating rainfall, heightening the risk of floods.
He emphasized the critical need for preparedness in confronting this imminent emergency.
Infrastructure has taken a severe hit, especially in northern Kenya, where numerous roads have been washed away, stranding vital supplies such as food, medicine, and fuel transport trucks.
To aid affected communities, the Kenya Defence Force has initiated efforts to airlift essential supplies.
Ruto had faced criticism previously for downplaying the situation, asserting that the country would not experience El Nino rains, only heavy rainfall that “would not be destructive.”