Early warning systems can help build resilience against future flooding

A man is seen carrying his shoes as he crosses a flooded Kenyatta Avenue round about in Nairobi the section has poor drainage system. [Wilberforce Okwiri, Standard]

Flooding caused by heavy rains is wreaking havoc in mudslide-prone areas in West Pokot county, in the northwest region of Kenya. The heavy downpour has led to flash floods, landslides, and rockfalls that have claimed several lives and caused significant destruction of property.

In November 2019, one of the worst landslides killed 52 persons. This resulted in the loss of an unknown number of livestock and loss of property of unknown value. More than 22,000 households were displaced in Sebit, Parua, Nyarkulian, Muino, Tamkal, and Batei.