Nine people have been reported dead due to floods in the last 24 hours, bringing the toll to 228, according to Government Spokesperson Isaac Mwaura.

In a statement on Sunday, May 5, 2024, Mwaura revealed that 72 people are currently missing and a cumulative 164 people have been reported injured.

A total of 42,526 households have been displaced by floods, affecting approximately 212,630 people with 138 camps set up across 18 counties hosting 62,061 people.

According to the government, approximately 227,238 people have been impacted by the heavy rains. 1,967 schools have been affected by the floods.

Following a nationwide assessment of all dams, 192 dams have been identified to be high risk in Central (60), Eastern (39), Rift Valley (29), Coast (22), Western (21), Nairobi (12), North Eastern (five) and Nyanza (four).

“A 24-hour evacuation notice effective May 2, 2024, was issued to settlements in 33 Counties that are within 178 of these high-risk dams and water reservoirs. The government is facilitating logistical support, temporary shelter and essential supplies to those affected,” Mwaura added.

“All persons residing within the 30-metre riparian corridor of rivers and other water courses across the country have been ordered to vacate immediately for their safety. Mandatory evacuation along rivers in Nairobi County (Mathare, Ngong and Nairobi Rivers) is ongoing with the government facilitating logistical support, temporary shelter and essential supplies to those affected.”

Also, beach activities, fishing, swimming and non-essential transport along the Coast region shoreline in Kwale, Mombasa, Kilifi and Lamu have been suspended effective May 4 until Monday, May 6, 2024.

“151 Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) are actively engaged in Mai Mahiu, Nakuru County following the mudslide tragedy where 58 deceased persons have been retrieved, 41 of whom have been positively identified and families duly informed. Mai Mahiu-Narok Road is now clear and open for traffic movement and Kenya Railways is conducting inspections of the railway line in Kijabe,” he added.

“A search mission continues at Maroro, Tana River County where 7 deceased persons have been recovered, 13 people still missing and 23 people rescued after a boat with 40 people capsized. 400 National Youth Service (NYS) have also been deployed to reinforce the ongoing search and rescue operations while the National Police Service, National Disaster Operation Managers, Public Health Officers and Ambulance Service Providers are on-site in each of the emergency locations.”

Weather outlook, floods

The Kenya Meteorological Department has forecast moderate to heavy rainfall and thunderstorms in 37 counties including Kwale, Mombasa, Kilifi, Lamu, Kakamega, Vihiga, Busia, Bungoma and Trans Nzoia, Kisumu, Kisii, Nyamira, Migori, Siaya, Homabay, Nyeri, Muranga, Kirinyaga, Kiambu, Nyandarua, Machakos, Kitui, Makueni, Embu, Tharaka Nithi, Meru, Nandi, Bomet, Narok, Kajiado, Uasin Gishu, Nakuru, Laikipia, Elgeyo Marakwet, West Pokot, Baringo and Nairobi.

As a result of the rains, flooding is expected in low-lying areas, riparian areas and urban areas while landslides/mudslides may occur in areas with steep slopes, escarpments and ravines.

The weatherman predicts that most parts of the North West (Turkana, Samburu, Marsabit), North Eastern (Isiolo, Garissa, Wajir, Mandera), and South Eastern (Taita, Taveta, Tana River) will be generally dry

“However, the continuous heavy rains in the Central region and the overflow of the Seven Forks Dams pose to exacerbate flooding in the Tana Delta and impacting Garissa, Tana River, and Lamu Counties,” Mwaura added.

“The Tropical Cyclone Hidaya storm is over and forecasted to have weakened however, heavy rainfall is still expected offshore along the Coast region with strong winds and large waves already experienced in Kwale.”

Floods in counties

In the last 24 hours, Marsabit, Tharaka Nithi, Baringo, Kisumu, Nakuru, Machakos, Uasin Gishu, Busia, Laikipia, Nyandarua, Trans Nzoia, Nairobi, Wajir, Mandera, Bomet, Kajiado, Embu and Nyeri Counties have suffered from flooding.

Landslides and mudslides occurred in West Pokot, Elgeyo Marakwet, Kericho and Makueni Counties.