Updated: Kenya – Floods Displace Thousands Across the Country

by in Africa, News

Update: 15 May 2021:

Kenya Red Cross Secretary General Dr. Asha Mohammed, said on 15 May 2021 that 6,800 families have been left homeless after their homes were submerged over recent days.

Furthermore, severe flooding has caused death and devastation in parts of the capital Nairobi. In an interview with Kenya TV, the Secretary General said floods struck in Nairobi during the evening of 13 May “when torrential rains drenched Nairobi, left behind a trail of destruction in Nairobi West, South C, and Dam estate. Other worst affected areas include Blue Sky estate, Five Star estate, Mukuru Kayaba and Kibra slums where roads were temporarily rendered impassable”.

Dr. Asha Mohammed said the flooding has completely destroyed over 400 homes and damaged many more. Vehicles were submerged, streets swamped and communities were marooned. Four people died in the flooding in Kibera on the evening of 13 May.

Original report, 13 May 2021:

Severe flooding has affected wide areas of Kenya since the start of the “Long Rains” season in early April 2021. By 23 April, over 25,000 people had been didaplced according to the Red Cross. Further heavy rainfall from 08 May has worsened the situation, with flooding reported in Kakamega, Turkana, Homa Bay, Baringo, Busia, Siaya and Kisumu counties.

Floods in Bondo, Siaya County, Kenya, 13 May 2021. Photo: Kenya Red Cross

On 23 April the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) reported flooding in Tana River, Busia, Kisumu, Garissa and Marsabit Counties. IFRC reported 2 fatalities and 25,958 people (4,493 households) displaced. Wide areas of crops were damaged in the Tana River basin.

Further heavy rain from around 08 May has caused flooding in at least 7 counties. On 10 May, KRC said heavy rain over the weekend caused flooding in Homa Bay and Baringo counties.

On 11 May Kenya National Highways Authority reported several sections of roads in the Lake Victoria basin were affected by flooding, leaving some lakeside communities isolated.

By 13 May, KRC reported almost 1,000 families displaced in Homa Bay, Banringo and Busia. Flash floods also affected areas of Turkana and Kisumu counties. Heavy rainfall caused the Endau and Kipsangui rivers to break their banks, flooding areas of Kakamega County.

Furthermore, a bridge connecting Migori and Homa Bay Counties at Riat-Oria collapsed while a truck was crossing. There were no reported of injuries or fatalities.

Heavy rain in recent days also caused road and traffic problems in the capital, Nairobi, and also parts of Elgeyo-Marakwet County.

bridge connecting Migori and Homa Bay Counties at Riat-Oria Kenya, collapsed May 2021. Photo: KRC

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