The Lower Eastern Times Opening The Third Eye
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As the death toll from flooding in Kenya climbs to 219, with 72 people still missing, Interior Cabinet Secretary Kithure Kindiki issues a cautionary plea for citizens to be vigilant on the roads amidst forecasts of heavy rainfall across the nation this weekend.
According to an update released on May 4th, CS Kindiki highlighted that 33 counties, including regions like Central, Rift Valley, Western, Lake Victoria Basin, Eastern, and Nairobi, are expected to bear the brunt of heavy rainfall and thunderstorms.
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Over the past 24 hours, several of these counties have been severely affected by floods, mudslides, and landslides, necessitating the evacuation of affected families to temporary shelters.
The Kenya Defense Forces (KDF) continue their search operation in Mai Mahiu following a tragic incident on Monday, which has claimed the lives of 53 individuals so far. Of the recovered bodies, 41 have been positively identified and their families notified.
In total, 219 Kenyans have lost their lives due to incidents related to heavy rains across all 47 counties. Additionally, 164 people are currently receiving medical treatment for injuries sustained, while 72 remain unaccounted for.
With over 206,240 Kenyans displaced by floods, the government has established 115 camps nationwide to provide shelter. Humanitarian aid, including over one million kilograms of rice and beans, has been distributed across affected areas.
CS Kindiki has advised citizens to remain informed about road closures, particularly in regions like Nyanza, Nairobi, Coast, and Central, due to flooding. He also cautioned against unnecessary travel, citing the imminent threat of the country’s first-ever cyclone, named Hidaya, along the coastal region.
