Six more people die due to floods

Six more people have died due to floods raising the death toll to 160 Government Spokesperson Isaac Mwaura has said.

Three people died in Taita Taveta County while Narok, Kilifi and Homa Bay counties lost one person each.

“We strongly advise members of the public to remain vigilant, observe flood alerts and cooperate with our evacuation teams,” said Mwaura.

He said weather forecasts show continued rainfall in central highlands, western Kenya, Lake Victoria Basin, South-Eastern lowlands and the coastal region.

“We are concerned and planning effectively as the heavy rainfall in specific areas threatens to exacerbate the ongoing flooding,” he said.

According to Mwaura, 529,120 people from 105,824 households have been displaced.

He said that the government has set up nine additional camps to accommodate the displaced.

The camps are in Tana River County (5), Migori County (1), Homa Bay County (1) and Voi (2).

He said that the 352 people who had been displaced at the Kakuma Refugee Camp have since been relocated.

The government spokesperson said that food destined for Sololo in Isiolo County had not reached the intended destination since roads had been marooned and that the government was looking to airlift or airdrop the aid.

Baringo, Elgeyo-Marakwet, Embu, Garissa, Homa Bay, Kiambu, Kilifi, Kisii, Meru, Mombasa, Nairobi, Nakuru, Samburu, Murang’a, Taita Taveta, Tana River and West Pokot counties are the counties that have had their school infrastructure affected.

From the counties, 129 blocks of toilets/latrines are submerged, 31 school buildings have collapsed, 36 schools are submerged and 31 are inaccessible.

Mwaura added that five schools are hosting internally displaced persons, 28 schools had learning and teaching materials destroyed and 16 have reported contaminated water sources.

Mwaura says that 105 people have been diagnosed with Cholera which has resulted in the death of three people in Lamu County.

“Moreover, access to healthcare in 49 facilities nationwide remains compromised due to inaccessibility,” he said.

He added that evacuation efforts are ongoing with the Kenya Navy boast and the Kenya Coast Guard Services mobilizing under “Dhibiti Mafuriko” operation.

“A concerted push to distribute essential supplies, including food and non-food items, continues by road and through airlifts and airdrops inaccessible areas in the 19 affected counties.”