Days of continuous rainfall have destroyed Kenya. According to official reports, the rain has claimed the lives of at least 32 individuals and left 15 injured with over 40,000 people forced to evacuate their homes. The floods have resulted in human casualties and also destroyed agricultural livelihoods, with nearly 1,000 farm animals perishing and thousands of acres of crops destroyed.
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Over 40,000 individuals have been forcibly evacuated from their homes due to flooding, according to the United Nations.
At least 32 lives have been lost as a result of the floods, with reports indicating that the death toll may continue to rise.
The Kenya Red Cross Society reports a figure of 188 rescues since the onset of the rains in March. Major highways have been inundated, traffic congestion and transportation problems across the country.
Mathare slum, home to many low-income earners has been particularly hard hit with residents forced to seek refuge on rooftops amidst rising floodwaters.
Neighboring countries such as Burundi and Tanzania have also felt the impact of heavy rains, with displacement and loss of life reported.
The Indian Ocean Dipole (IOD) has been identified as a factor driving the extreme weather patterns, by the effects of El NiƱo and contributing to the rainfall in the region.
Kirinyaga County in central Kenya has seen an escalation of the crisis with the Thiba River displacing over 60 families and inundating homes and businesses.
The Kenya Red Cross Society has the devastation, with 23 counties affected and over 110,000 individuals displaced.
Crops spanning 27,716 acres have been destroyed, it has caused food insecurity and economic hardship for affected communities.
Local and national authorities have issued warnings and advisories urging residents in flood-prone areas to seek higher ground and take precautionary measures.
The Meteorological Department continues to monitor the situation closely providing forecasts and guidance to aid in disaster preparedness and response.
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Emergency services including the Kenya Red Cross Society and the National Police Service have been mobilized to conduct rescue operations and provide aid to affected populations.
The scale of the disaster is over 110,000 individuals displaced across 23 counties. The Kenya Red Cross Society (KRCS) has described the situation as reaching disaster levels.
The heavy rains which intensified over the past week have submerged homes, blocked roads, and disrupted daily life for thousands of Kenyans.
The streets of Nairobi have been transformed into rivers, trapping residents on rooftops and destroying entire neighborhoods.
Senator Edwin Sifuna, representing Nairobi County, has sounded the alarm, stating that the local government is calling for national emergency services to be mobilized to save lives.
Other regions of Kenya have also faced consequences from the flooding. In Machakos County, east of Nairobi, the Thiba River burst its banks, displacing over 60 families and submerging homes and businesses.
The humanitarian crisis has escalated in Kirinyaga County where flooding has displaced numerous families, submerged arable land, and led to livestock deaths. Major highways have been submerged, causing traffic disruptions and logistical challenges.
The Urban Roads Authority has been forced to partially close several roads heavily affected by flooding, while Kenya Railways has suspended commuter train services nationwide to ensure the safety of passengers.
The meteorological department in Kenya has issued warnings of continued heavy rainfall urging residents in flood-prone areas to seek higher ground. The forecast shows ongoing precipitation across various parts of the country including Nairobi.
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