El Nino: Death Toll Hits 160 As 529,120 People Displaced
According to the latest government update, a minimum of six additional individuals have lost their lives due to the continuous El Nino rainfall in different regions of the country, bringing the total number of casualties to 160.
Government Spokesperson Dr. Isaac Mwaura, in a press address on Tuesday, said the deaths were reported in the counties of Kilifi (1), Taita Taveta (3), Narok (1), and Homa Bay (1).
As per Dr. Mwaura’s information, an additional 529,120 individuals from 105,824 families have been forced out of their homes, leading the government to establish nine additional camps across Tana River (5), Migori (1), Homa Bay (1), and Voi (2) to accommodate them.
“Weather forecasts indicate continued rainfall in the Central Highlands, Western Kenya. Lake Victoria Basin, South-Eastern lowlands, and the Coast this week (5th-11th December). Conversely, dry conditions are expected in North-Eastern and North-Western Kenya except Garissa where occasional rainfall is anticipated,” he stated.
“The impact on infrastructure is significant, with numerous roads rendered impassable, disrupting transportation of people and relief efforts. For instance, Ambalo, Laaqi and Badan Rero areas of Sololo sub-county in Marsabit County are completely marooned.”
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The Government Spokesperson went on to add that school infrastructure in at least 17 counties have also been affected by the heavy floods, namely; Baringo, Elgeyo Marakwet, Embu, Garissa, Homa Bay, Kiambu, Kilifi, Kisii, Meru, Mombasa, Nairobi, Nakuru, Samburu, Murang’a, Taita Taveta, Tana River and West Pokot.
These damages include; 36 schools submerged, 31 rendered inaccessible, 5 hosting displaced persons, 28 lacking learning and teaching materials due to destruction, and an additional 16 schools reporting contaminated water sources.
Dr. Mwaura also said the heavy flooding has caused a Cholera outbreak in Lamu County, where three people have so far died out of a reported 105 affected individuals.
“A concerted push to distribute essential supplies, including food and non-food items, continues by road and through airlifts and airdrops in inaccessible areas in 19 affected counties. Evacuation efforts are also ongoing, with Kenya Navy Boats and Kenya Coast Guard Services mobilized under the ‘Dhibiti Mafuriko’ operation,” he noted.
“We urge citizens to remain vigilant, adhere to safety guidelines, and stay informed about weather alerts, especially in flood-prone regions.”
El Nino: Death Toll Hits 160 As 529,120 People Displaced
