Government spokesman Isaac Mwaura has issued a stern warning to Kenyans living in flood-prone areas, urging them to evacuate within 48 hours due to the ongoing flood situation exacerbated by heavy rainfall.
In a statement released on Wednesday, May 1, 2024, Mwaura highlighted the continuous above-average rainfall forecasted for the country in this new month of May, which is expected to further exacerbate flooding and disrupt various social and economic activities.
“The government urges all citizens to remain vigilant and heed the weather and flood alerts issued regularly by government agencies,” Mwaura emphasized.
He also revealed that the government has completed mapping out fragile ecosystems across the country, identifying areas posing significant dangers to public health and safety in the event of continued precipitation.
“The government calls upon Kenyans residing in flood-prone areas to relocate within 48 hours, including areas near dams, water reservoirs, mudslide and landslide-prone areas, and riparian lands. Alternative accommodation will be provided to those affected,” Mwaura assured.
Furthermore, Mwaura disclosed that a national multi-agency team will continue relief operations for the next two months, with the Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) involved in recovery and evacuation efforts.
10 deaths in 24 hours
Updating the nation on flood-related casualties, Mwaura revealed a sobering increase in fatalities, with 10 more lives lost in the past 24 hours, bringing the total death toll to 179.
Additionally, 20 individuals are reported missing, while 125 people have been injured and are receiving medical attention.
“The ongoing flooding has displaced an additional 1,127 households, totalling 31,341 households and affecting 195,011 people. Displacement camps have been set up to provide alternative accommodation,” Mwaura explained.
He urged Kenyans to remain vigilant, follow safety guidelines, and adhere to flood alerts while cooperating with emergency responders and local authorities during evacuation and rescue operations.
To report flood emergencies, the public is advised to contact the National Disaster Operations Centre (NDOC) through the toll-free number 0800721571, Mwaura concluded.
Massive disruption
Kenya has registered heavy rain since mid-March but downpours have intensified over the past week, leading to mass flooding.
The Ministry of Education on Monday announced that all primary and secondary schools would postpone the start of the new school term for one week until May 6, 2024, because of floods.
“The devastating effects of the rains in some of the schools are so severe that it will be imprudent to risk the lives of learners and staff before water-tight measures are put in place to ensure adequate safety for all affected school communities,” Education CS Ezekiel Machogu asserted.
Several roads across the country have also been closed as a result of the devastating floods that have caused massive damage to transport infrastructure.
