NAIROBI Kenya May 4 – At least 219 people countrywide have lost their lives due to severe weather conditions with an additional 9 fatalities reported on Saturday May 4.
A cumulative 164 people have been reported injured and 72 people are currently missing, according to the Ministry of Interior and National Administration.
Approximately 206,240 people have been displaced with the Government setting up 115 camps across 19 Counties currently hosting 27,856 people.
The ministry on Saturday said the Kenya weather outlook continues to predict heavy to very heavy rainfall and thunderstorms over 33 counties during the May 4 and 5 weekend.
The government has warned that floods are expected in low-lying, riparian and urban areas, and consequently asked Kenyans to exercise more caution, especially on the roads.
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.
Nairobi, Machakos, Baringo, Nyeri, Nakuru, Kiambu, Kirinyaga, Embu, Laikipia, Trans Nzoia, Bomet, Kakamega, Kilifi, Busia, Kajiado, Garissa and Homabay Counties have suffered from flooding in the last 24 hours, according to the Interior Ministry.
The government also warned that there has been an increase in landslides and mudslides having occurred in West Pokot, Embu, Machakos, Makueni, and Nakuru Counties.
“Areas prone to landslides and mudslides in various Counties have been identified as high-risk areas and neighboring settlements are being evacuated with the sites for temporary shelter for displaced persons coordinated by County Security Committees,” the Interior ministry said.
The Security Committees are also coordinating the evacuation and relocation of people residing within a 30-meter riparian corridor of rivers and other watercourses across the country following the Presidential Directive issued on May 3.
At the same time, the Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) are still actively engaged in Mai Mahiu, Nakuru County following the April 29 mudslide tragedy where 53 deceased persons have been retrieved, 41 of whom have been positively identified and families duly informed.
On the other hand, the search and rescue operation in Joska in Machakos County has ended with 59 people rescued and no reported fatalities.
Essential food supplies of rice and beans totaling 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 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 River and Garissa Counties to offer required assistance.
The Government is also carrying out assessments of damaged roads and mobilizing resources to address critical sections and to restore safe travel.
In Nyanza, Western, Rift Valley and Eastern, several roads have been rendered impassable due to water overflows and road cut- offs including Kapenguria – Lokichar – Lodwar highway, Nakuru– Eldoret road at Timboroa market and Oletepesi – Magadi road.
There is also accumulated debris that has blocked culverts and drainage systems, exacerbating water stagnation and flooding.
“Strong water currents have eroded some roads making them dangerous for vehicle passage,” the ministry warned.
In Nairobi and urban areas, there has been increased water stagnation has led to the emergence of potholes and further deterioration of damaged roads.
“Urban area drainage systems are overwhelmed, with several manholes becoming hazardous,” the ministry added.
In the Coast and North Eastern regions, many coastal and frontier roads are partially flooded, with Habaswein – Abakore – Dadaab road remaining a no-go
zone.
“Key road infrastructure has sustained damage, complicating travel and transport. Warning is still on for the Tana River Bridge in Mororo Area and the Garissa – Madogo road
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