Government spokesman Isaac Mwaura has given an update on the flood situation in the country as of May 2, 2024.
In a statement, Mwaura revealed that nine more Kenyans lost their lives in the past 24 hours, bringing the national tally of flood-related deaths to 188.
“It is with sorrow that we report the unfortunate loss of 9 precious lives, 4 adults and 5 children, in the last 24 hours. (1 adult in Makueni County, 1 child in Nakuru County, 1 adult in Nandi County, 1 child in Bomet County, 1 child and 1 adult in Narok County, 2 children in Uasin Gishu County and 1 adult in Homa Bay County).
“This raises the national flood-related death toll to 188 (151 adults and 37 children). 125 persons have been injured and another 90 persons reported as missing,” Mwaura said.
The flooding has also led to the displacement of an additional 1,759 households in the last 24 hours. This now raises the number of displaced households to 33,100, comprising of approximately 165,500 persons.
The government spokesperson said that the Mai Mahiu mudslide claimed 50 lives (32 adults and 18 children). 73 people were injured and are recuperating in different health facilities.
Mwaura highlighted the continuous above-average rainfall forecasted for the country in May, which is expected to further exacerbate flooding and disrupt various social and economic activities.
“The ongoing March-April-May (MAM) long rains continue to exacerbate the flooding situation in some parts of the country. Floods have been experienced in Nairobi, Kajiado, Nakuru, Mandera and Homa Bay Counties resulting in the loss of lives, property and disruption of services.
“The flooding has also led to a mudslide in Mai Mahiu area of Nakuru County, while an incident of landslide was reported in Murang’a county,” Mwaura said.
Multiagency operation
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.
“The government has also stepped up a multi-agency Search and Rescue/Retrieval (SAR) exercise in Nakuru, Nairobi, Kirinyaga, Homa Bay and Tana River counties.
“The Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) and the National Youth Service (NYS) have been deployed to assist in the ongoing search and retrieval efforts in Mai Mahiu,” he said.
Aid from UAE
Mwaura additionally said the government of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) has dispatched two aircraft loaded with 80 tonnes of essential relief supplies to aid Kenya amid the ongoing floods.
“The Government of the United Arab Emirates has dispatched two aircraft loaded with 80 tonnes of essential relief supplies to support the government’s efforts.
“The Government of the Republic of Kenya conveys its sincere appreciation and calls upon other friends of Kenya to stand with us during this flooding emergency,” Mwaura said.
