Kenya's ongoing flooding crisis has intensified, with the death toll rising to 70 as heavy rains continue to wreak havoc across the country.
Kenya's devastating floods have escalated in severity, with the government now confirming that at least 70 people have lost their lives since mid-March. This figure represents a significant increase from the earlier reported toll of 35.
The relentless heavy rains and severe flooding have battered Nairobi, Kenya's capital city, as well as the western and central regions of the country. Government spokesperson Isaac Mwaura emphasized that the official death toll stands at 70, refuting claims of hundreds of fatalities.
Tragedy struck Makueni county on Friday when five bodies were recovered from a river after a lorry carrying passengers was swept away from a submerged bridge. Local station Citizen TV reported that another 11 individuals were rescued from the perilous waters.
The Kenyan Red Cross and volunteers are tirelessly conducting search and rescue operations in Machakos county, where houses have been submerged by floodwaters. The United Nations has estimated that at least 13 people have died, and around 15,000 have been displaced due to the torrential rains.
Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua announced the allocation of 4 billion Kenya shillings (approximately $29 million) for emergency relief efforts. However, he provided no further details on the distribution or utilization of these funds.
The impact of the floods is far-reaching, affecting over 130,000 individuals. Thousands of homes have been destroyed or flooded, and 64 public schools in Nairobi were forced to close due to the inundation. Infrastructure has also suffered severe damage, with roads and bridges rendered impassable.
Amid the escalating crisis, the Kenya Meteorological Department issued a heavy rainfall advisory for the weekend, urging residents to remain vigilant. Neighboring countries have also been impacted by the flooding, with Tanzania reporting 155 deaths and Burundi experiencing displacement for over 200,000 people.
Aid organizations and volunteers are working tirelessly to provide essential supplies and assistance to those affected by the devastating floods. The government's response and allocation of emergency funds are crucial to addressing the immediate needs and long-term recovery of communities.
