Kenya – Deadly Floods Strike Again

by in Africa, News

Floods have once again wreaked havoc in several parts of Kenya. At least 15 people are thought to have died and hundreds forced to evacuate their homes over the last few days.

The flooding comes just 2 weeks after 7 people died in Kenya during a period of heavy rain at the beginning of March.

After a short respite, the rains returned on 14 March, 2018. Nairobi recorded 59 mm of rain in 24 hours to 15 March. Wajir in the north east of the country recorded 49 mm of rain the next day. Nakuru, Kisumu and Voi in Taita-Taveta County all recorded at least 40 mm of rain between 16 and 17 March.

Kenya Met Department said that the rainfall is expected to continue over most parts of the country until at least 21 March.

Abbas Gullet, secretary General of the Kenya Red Cross (KRCS) said that “KRCS staff and volunteers have been on high alert in all the 47 Counties. They are already responding in Nyanza, Western, Rift Valley, Upper Eastern, Lower Eastern, North Eastern and the Coast region.”

As of 16 March local media reported flood-related deaths in Mwingi, Isiolo, Kajiado, Narok and Makueni. Hundreds have been forced to evacuate their homes.

Kenya Red Cross reported via Social Media that a “lorry with five people on board (was) swept away after River Enzui in Kasiluni village, Kitui, bursts its bank. Search and rescue efforts ongoing.”

Nairobi was once again hard hit by the flooding. Kenya Red Cross reported that 2 schools in Nairobi’s Mukuru informal settlements were cut off after the Ngong River bursts its banks. Around 9 schools in total have been closed in Nairobi because of flooding.

Some bridges have been swept away and roads have been closed, including the Nairobi-Mombasa Highway after floods washed away a bridge over the Athi River.

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