Government spokesperson Isaac Mwaura has revealed that the death toll has risen by 8 in the past 24 hours, bringing the total fatalities to at least 238 due to ongoing heavy rains and floods across the country.
Mwaura also stated that 75 individuals remain missing, with a staggering 223,000 people impacted by the calamity.
President William Ruto has responded to the crisis by ordering an indefinite extension of the reopening of schools, originally set for Monday, acknowledging the unsafe conditions exacerbated by the heavy rains.
Urgency has been reiterated by the government for residents in riparian corridors and other water courses to evacuate immediately to avert further disaster.
To aid in the evacuation efforts, logistical support will be provided, especially in settlements located in 33 high-risk counties, which house 178 at-risk dams and water reservoirs.
Nairobi has been severely affected, with over 164,000 individuals reported as casualties, while other counties such as Makueni, Nyandarua, Nakuru, and Bomet have also suffered significant damage, including landslides.
The impact of the ongoing rains extends beyond loss of life to include widespread destruction of property, infrastructure, and the loss of livestock.
Villages in Baringo and Nakuru have been marooned, with transportation disrupted, and significant agricultural land and livestock swept away.
In response to the school reopening postponement, Mwaura disclosed that nearly 600,000 learners are without schools to return to, as many educational institutions either shelter internally displaced persons (IDPs) or have been damaged, with toilets submerged and roofs blown off.
In an effort to support those affected, the government is committed to setting up housing for IDPs, with plans to establish 20,000 units in Nairobi and extend the program to Kisumu, where affected individuals will pay a subsidized rent.
Furthermore, Mwaura emphasized the government’s multi-agency approach, with teams deployed to conduct rescues, distribute essential items, and facilitate evacuations, ensuring humane processes and providing temporary shelters to affected families.
KDF Joins Search And Rescue Mission At Collapsed Uthiru Building Site
Gang Shoots On Wall To Prove They Have Real Gun In Robbery In Luanda, Vihiga
