Nationwide Flood Crisis: Government Response And Ongoing Relief Efforts

Government spokesperson Isaac Mwaura has provided an update, revealing that the death toll has sadly increased by 8 within the last 24 hours.

This brings the total number of fatalities to at least 238, attributed to the ongoing heavy rains and resulting floods across the nation.

Mwaura further noted that 75 individuals are still unaccounted for, with a concerning 223,000 people affected by the calamitous conditions.

President William Ruto has taken action in response to the crisis, ordering an indefinite postponement of the scheduled reopening of schools, originally planned for Monday.

This decision acknowledges the unsafe environment exacerbated by the persistent heavy rainfall.

There is an urgent call from the government for residents living along riverbanks and other watercourses to evacuate immediately to prevent further tragedy.

To support evacuation efforts, logistical assistance will be provided, particularly in settlements situated in 33 high-risk counties, which are home to 178 vulnerable dams and water reservoirs.

Nairobi has experienced severe repercussions, with over 164,000 individuals affected. Additionally, counties such as Makueni, Nyandarua, Nakuru, and Bomet have also faced significant damage, including landslides.

The impact of the ongoing rains extends beyond loss of life, encompassing widespread destruction of property, infrastructure, and the loss of livestock.

Villages in Baringo and Nakuru have been cut off, with transportation disrupted, and substantial agricultural land and livestock swept away.

Regarding the postponement of school reopenings, Mwaura disclosed that nearly 600,000 students are currently without schools to return to.

Many educational institutions are either accommodating internally displaced persons (IDPs) or have sustained damage, with submerged toilets and roofs blown off.

In an effort to assist those affected, the government is committed to establishing housing for IDPs. Plans are underway to construct 20,000 units in Nairobi, with intentions to extend the program to Kisumu. Affected individuals will have the opportunity to pay subsidized rent.

Furthermore, Mwaura emphasized the government’s collaborative approach, with multi-agency teams deployed to conduct rescues, distribute essential supplies, and facilitate evacuations.

This aims to ensure humane processes and provide temporary shelters to affected families.