Kenya – More Floods and Landslides Leave 8 Dead, Hundreds Homeless

by in Africa, News

More flooding and landslides have affected parts of western and central Kenya over the last 2 days, causing at least 8 fatalities.

Floods and mudslides in border areas of West Pokot and Elgeyo Marakwet Counties, Kenya 18 April 2020 left 4 dead and 24 missing. Photo: Elgeyo Marakwet County

Heavy rain has been falling in the region for several days, triggering flooding and landslides in border areas of West Pokot and Elgeyo Marakwet counties on 18 April. As of 19 April, 4 people had been confirmed dead, 24 people were reported missing and 4,400 displaced.

Since then flooding and landslides have been reported in Kericho, Samburu and Kisumu Counties.

In Kericho County 3 people died in mudslides near Kipkelion, according to local media reports. Another 3 fatalities were reported in the nearby village of Migori after rain and floods caused a house to collapse. Several houses have been destroyed in the county and families left homeless.

Meanwhile heavy rains have caused flash floods and left a trail of destruction in many parts of Samburu County. Media, quoting local officials, said houses were destroyed leaving hundreds of families homeless in the north of the county. At least two people died after they were swept away by floodwaters in Illaut, Samburu North, on 21 April.

Kenya Red Cross Society (KRCS) reports that families have been displaced as heavy rains caused havoc in Nyando, Kisumu Central and Nyakach in Kisumu County on 20 April. Many displaced families were camping on the roadside with their belongings. KRCS said it is conducting needs assessment, however progress is being hampered by flooded roads.

Kenya Meteorological Department has warned of further heavy rainfall until at least 25 April.

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