32,000 displaced as a result of continued rains in Kenya, floods and landslides - the death toll has risen to 29.
Continued rains in Kenya continue to cause widespread and devastating flooding in the western and eastern counties, displacing up to 32,000 people from March 2020 to the present, according to the Kenya Red Cross Society (KRCS). The death toll from massive landslides and floods in Elgeio Maracueta and West Pokot rose from six to 29, President Uhuru Kenyatta confirmed on April 26.
In western Kenya, more than 1,000 families have been displaced by flooding along the Lake Victoria coastline in Homa Bay County. Several families have fled their flooded homes in Nyando and Kisumu, the KRKS added. In Siaya County, the overflowing Nzoya River destroyed farms as well as displaced families in Wusong.
In the southeast of the country, the Tana River overflowed its banks, leaving about 300 families homeless in the area, according to the Kenyan Broadcasting Corporation BBC. The flood hit the village of Yariro in Garissa County, capturing more than 50 people who were eventually rescued. Flooding has been reported in Kilifi County.
Since the onset of heavy rains in March, up to 32,000 people have been displaced across the country. Affected people either stay in neighboring communities or seek refuge in temporary evacuation centers.
In addition to flooding, residents have to deal with the COVID-19 pandemic. “Among the response to the COVID-19 pandemic, these movements pose a challenge to maintaining physical distance and can leave victims vulnerable to infection,” the KRKS said.
"Kisumu County and the nation as a whole are going through perhaps the most difficult time in our history of independence," said Kisumu County Governor Anyang 'Nyongo.
"Never before have we had to face multiple disasters at the same time and with far-reaching consequences for the population, as it happens today. Indeed, this is unprecedented."