Government Sets Up 115 IDP Camps Across 19 Counties

NAIROBI Kenya May 3 -Following heavy rains experienced in may parts of the country, a total of 115 camps have been set up across 19 counties hosting a total of 27,586 people.

The Government has made specific interventions to meet their essential food supplies of rice and beans totaling 336,000 Kg that have been distributed to support affected communities in Busia, Homabay, Kisumu, Machakos, Nairobi, Nakuru, and Muranga Counties.

Interior Cabinet minister Kithure Kindiki has also said there is a need for more food, medical kits, and non-food items in affected Counties and where search and rescue operations are still ongoing.

A favorable weather forecast in the North Eastern (Isiolo, Wajir, Mandera, Garissa) and South Eastern (Taita Taveta, Kitui, Tana River) regions sets the stage for post-flood recovery initiatives in public works, the reconstruction of schools, repairs to water treatment systems, road repairs and improvements to the accessibility of social and economic facilities over the weekend.

However, the continuous heavy rains in the Central region and the overflow of the Seven Forks Dams poses potential flooding in the Tana Delta impacting Garissa, Tana River, and Lamu Counties.

“All persons residing within the 30-meter riparian corridor of rivers and other water courses across the country have been ordered to vacate immediately for their safety,” the ministry said.

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.

A 24-hour evacuation notice effective May 2, 2024, was also issued to settlements in 33 Counties that are within 178 high-risk dams and water reservoirs.

This follows a nationwide assessment of all dams in the country that identified 192 dams as high risk in Central (60), Eastern (39), Rift Valley (29), Coast (22), Western (21), Nairobi (12), North Eastern (5), and Nyanza (4).

At the same time, despite sunny intervals in the Coast region, Tropical Cyclone Hidaya is forecasted to bring strong winds and large ocean waves, with heavy rainfall starting Sunday, May 5th.

Additionally, over 33 counties in Central (Nyeri, Muranga, Kirinyaga, Kiambu, Nyandarua); Eastern (Machakos, Embu, Tharaka Nithi, Meru, Marsabit); Rift Valley (Nandi, Bomet, Nakuru, Elgeyo Marakwet, West Pokot, Baringo, Samburu, Turkana, Uasin Gishu, Laikipia, Narok); Western (Kakamega, Vihiga, Busia, Bungoma, Trans Nzoia); Lake Victoria Basin (Kisumu, Kisii, Nyamira, Migori, Siaya, Homabay); and Nairobi are forecasted to receive heavy to very heavy rainfall and thunderstorms.

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.

In the last 24 hours; Nairobi, Kajiado, Machakos, Narok, Kiambu, Muranga, Nyeri, Nakuru, Laikipia, Mandera, and Homabay Counties have suffered from flooding as Muranga, Nyeri and Nakuru Counties recorded landslides and mudslides.

Consequently, approximately 196,296 people have been impacted by the heavy rains that have regrettably claimed 210 lives due to severe weather conditions including an additional 22 fatalities since the last update.

A cumulative 125 people have been reported injured while 90 people are currently missing. A total of 33,100 households have been displaced affecting approximately 165,500 people and a sum of 1,967 schools have had their infrastructure destroyed by the floods.

All citizens and non-citizens, are advised to adhere to guidance and evacuation orders provided by authorities, limit travel to essential trips only and stay vigilant over the weekend.