Kenya Floods Death Toll Hits 132

At least 132 Kenyans have lost their lives as a result of floods witnessed in different parts of the country, government spokesperson Cyrus Oguna says.

Oguna said a number of people are still missing while more than 10,000 others have been displaced from their homes. An unknown number of people are also marooned or cut off by floods with over 11,000 livestock swept away.

“Approximately 330,000 people have been affected by the rains that continue to pound various parts of the country…17,000 have also been displaced,” he said during a media briefing on Tuesday.

Oguna indicated that the government is working with various agencies including Kenya Red Cross and Kenya National Highways Authority (KeNHA) to ease the situation.

“The Government will continue monitoring the situation and undertake appropriate intervention mechanisms,” said Oguna.

He urged Kenyans living in areas that are prone to flooding, landslides, and lightning to move to safer ground. The high-risk areas include Lake Victoria Basin, Lower Tana Delta, Coastal and Central regions.

“Additionally, individuals are advised to avoid crossing flooded waters they are unsure of their levels and avoid sheltering under trees and standing close to grilled windows to minimize risks to lightning strikes,” added Oguna.

The current rains are expected to continue until the end of December, according to the meteorological department.

The worst-hit counties include Lamu, Kwale, Mombasa, Kilifi, Tana River, Taita Taveta, Mandera, Wajir, Turkana, Garissa, Samburu Isiolo, Marsabit, Makueni, Kitui, Machakos, and Embu.

Others are Baringo, West Pokot, Elgeyo Marakwet Kisumu, Homa Bay, Migori, Siaya, Kisii Trans Nzoia, Busia, Bungoma, Meru, and Tharaka Nithi.