Death toll hits 267 as 20 counties brace for more rain

The Ministry of Interior has announced that the death toll from the floods has risen to at least 267, with three additional fatalities reported in the last 24 hours.

In the latest update, the ministry indicated that the ongoing floods impacted 62 health facilities across 11 counties. Kithure Kindiki-led ministry further disclosed that a total of 188 individuals have sustained injuries since the onset of the floods.

Presently, 75 people remain missing, and the displacement of 56,367 households has affected roughly 281,835 individuals. Additionally, approximately 1,967 schools have been affected, just ahead of the commencement of the second term for learners on Monday.

The flood devastation extends beyond human casualties, with significant agricultural losses. Crops spanning 9,816 acres of land have been destroyed, and 4,003 livestock casualties have been recorded.

Over the past 24 hours, Nakuru, Isiolo, Nyandarua, Migori, and Mandera counties have been particularly affected by flooding. Landslides and mudslides have also been reported in Elgeyo Marakwet counties.

To address the crisis, the Kenya Coast Guard Service has been placed on high alert in Kisumu, Tana River, Garissa, Kilifi, and Nairobi counties to provide necessary assistance.

Furthermore, heightened surveillance for vector-borne diseases is underway across all counties by the Ministry of Health, complemented by livestock monitoring conducted by the Directorate of Veterinary Services.

CS Kindiki also noted that fishing at Turkwel Dam in Turkana County remains suspended through a notice issued by the Kerio Valley Development Authority (KVDA).

Additionally, an advisory has been issued regarding the mandatory use of life jackets in private boats ferrying individuals from Mororo to Garissa in Tana River County.

Regarding weather forecasts, continued rainfall and thunderstorms are anticipated in select areas across 20 counties, including the Lake Victoria Basin, Western region, and Rift Valley.

Foreseeable flooding is expected in low-lying, riparian, and urban areas, with the risk of landslides and mudslides in regions characterised by steep slopes, escarpments, and ravines.

"Lakes Victoria and Baringo are projected to continue causing backflow and flooding of counties in the Lake Victoria and Lake Baringo Basins," the CS noted.

The Ministry warned of ongoing backflow and flooding in counties within the Lake Victoria and Lake Baringo Basins, attributing this to the overflow of the Seven Forks Dams.

Furthermore, a nationwide assessment of dams has identified 192 high-risk dams across various in Central (60), Eastern (39), Rift Valley (29), Coast(22), Western (21), Nairobi (12), North Eastern (5), and Nyanza (4), prompting a 24-hour evacuation notice for settlements within the vicinity of these dams and water reservoirs, effective May 2, 2024.

The government is actively providing logistical support, temporary shelter, and essential supplies to affected individuals.

Kindiki insisted that all persons residing contiguous to riparian reserves and corridors must vacate and those who decline will be forcefully evicted.

"So far, the government has relocated more than 181,000 people who had constructed shelters and were living near the Nairobi Rivers Corridor," he announced.

The Ministry reiterated the prohibition on the construction of residences and business premises within a 30-meter radius of Rivers Corridor areas.