Floods calamity: 33 Counties to be affected by heavy rains this weekend, death toll rises to 219

The Ministry of Interior and National Administration has given an update on the flood situation in the country as of Saturday, May 4, 2024.

The Interior Ministry called on Kenyans to exercise caution, warning that 33 Counties are expected to experience heavy to very heavy rainfall.

“More caution is advised as the weather outlook continues to predict heavy to very heavy rainfall and thunderstorms over 33 Counties during this weekend with floods expected in low-lying areas, riparian areas, and urban areas.

“The 33 counties are in; the Central region (Nyeri, Muranga, Kirinyaga, Kiambu, Nyandarua); Rift Valley (Nandi, Bomet, Nakuru, Elgeyo Marakwet, West Pokot, Baringo, Samburu, Turkana, Uasin Gishu, Laikipia, Narok); Western (Kakamega, Vihiga, Busia, Bungoma and Trans Nzoia); Lake Victoria Basin (Kisumu, Kisii, Nyamira, Migori, Siaya, Homabay); Eastern (Machakos, Embu, Tharaka Nithi, Meru, Marsabit); and Nairobi,” the Ministry said.

17 Counties experienced flooding in the past 24 hours.

“Over the last 24 Hours; Nairobi, Machakos, Baringo, Nyeri, Nakuru, Kiambu, Kirinyaga, Embu, Laikipia, Trans Nzoia, Bomet, Kakamega, Kilifi, Busia, Kajiado, Garissa and Homabay Counties have suffered from flooding,” Interior Ministry said.

Adding that; “There has been an increase in landslides and mudslides having occurred in West Pokot, Embu, Machakos, Makueni, and Nakuru Counties.”

The Ministry disclosed that the Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) are still actively engaged in Mai Mahiu, Nakuru County following Monday’s mudslide tragedy where 53 deceased persons have been retrieved, 41 of whom have been positively identified and families duly informed.

The Interior Ministry also informed Kenyans that the search and rescue operation in Joska in Machakos County has ended with 59 people rescued and no reported fatalities.

Death toll

According to the Interior Ministry, the national tally of flood-related deaths now stands at 219 people as of Saturday, May 4, 2024.

“Sadly however, 219 people countrywide have lost their lives due to severe weather conditions with an additional 9 fatalities reported since the last update. A cumulative 164 people have been reported injured and 72 people are currently missing.

“Approximately 206,240 people have been displaced with the Government setting up 115 camps across 19 Counties currently hosting 27,856 people. Essential food supplies of rice and beans totalling 1,226,400 Kg have been distributed to support affected communities in Busia, Homabay, Kisumu, Machakos, Makueni, Tana River, Kilifi, Nakuru, Garissa, Turkana, Isiolo, Migori, Kajiado, Nairobi, Nyandarua, Kiambu and Muranga Counties,” the Ministry said.

Cyclone Hidaya

The Interior Ministry also reiterated a warning by the Kenya Meteorological Department about Cyclone Hidaya.

“The strong winds and large ocean waves mostly in Kwale and Kilifi, accompanied by heavy rainfall forecasted to be occasioned by Cyclone Hidaya, has the Kenya Coast Guard Service, that is responsible for marine operations on our territorial and inland waters, on high alert and positioned in Kilifi, Mombasa, Shimoni, Lamu, Tana.”