The number of flood-related deaths in the country in the last 24 hours, according to the government, has increased to 179 since the beginning of the heavy rains.
In a statement issued on Wednesday night, government spokesman Isaac Mwaura stated that of the 179 individuals, 164 are adults and 15 are minors.
Twenty more people were reported missing in the last 24 hours, bringing the total number of missing people in the country to 90. At the same time, 195,011 people have been displaced.
“Moreover, the ongoing flooding has led to the displacement of an additional 1,127 households raising the number of displaced households to 31,341 with 195,011 people affected. The government has set up displacement camps to provide alternative accommodation to the displaced,” Mwaura stated.
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Mwaura also disclosed that, as the rains continue to wreak havoc, an additional 125 Kenyans have been injured and are undergoing treatment in medical facilities throughout the nation.
This is happening despite the weatherman's warning that this new month will see above-average rainfall.
"The current March-April-May (MAM) long rains peaked in April, with the exception of the coastal region, where the rains are predicted to peak in May. According to the weather forecast, the nation will continue to see rainfall that is above average in this new month, Mwaura said.
The spokesperson reaffirmed the government's commitment to handling the situation by stating that multi-agency teams had been sent out across the nation to assist in the provision of necessities and rescue efforts for individuals who were impacted.
“The government has stepped up response with the KDF already enjoined in recovery and evacuation exercises. Distribution of Food and Non-Food Items (F&NFIs) continues across the country with a relief operation planned for the next two months,” he said.
“The government has also set up a Relief Operations Centre at the National Cereals Produce Board (NCPB).”
He reaffirmed the government's position that residents in flood-prone areas—which have been identified as fragile ecosystems—must leave within the 48-hour window that has been given.
Members of the public who live in the dangerous areas have 48 hours to leave before today ends. These include regions close to dams and other water reservoirs on both public and private property, as well as riparian areas across the nation and areas vulnerable to mudslides and landslides, according to Mwaura.
"The government has completed the plans to offer those who will be displaced alternative housing."
In the meantime, the Kenya Meteorological Department issued a warning on Tuesday, predicting heavy rainfall, especially on Thursday and Friday.
