Kenya floods leave over 90 missing, Interior Ministry reports

Photo : Stephen Ingati/Xinhua

Rescuers in Kenya are intensifying efforts to locate 91 individuals reported missing amidst heavy flooding, as announced by the Interior Ministry on Tuesday.

The situation remains dire, with at least 46 lives lost in a mudslide and flash floods in Maai Mahiu town in central Kenya, representing a slight increase from the previous death toll. Since the onset of the deluge, which has persisted for the past two weeks, the death toll from the floods has reached 169, while thousands more face displacement and injury.

Four counties—Nairobi, Tana River, West Pokot, and Homa Bay—have borne the brunt of the floods, with significant devastation reported. In Garissa and Homa Bay alone, fatalities stand at four each, with a total of 102 individuals injured across all affected regions.

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Search and rescue operations are ongoing in Maai Mahiu's Kamuchiri and Jerusalem villages, where extensive damage has occurred due to flash floods. The National Government, Nakuru County, and the Kenya Red Cross are coordinating efforts at the scene.

As of now, over 30,000 households have been displaced, affecting around 150,000 people nationwide. Particularly in Sindo, Homa Bay County, 161 households have been displaced, contributing to an estimated 190,000 individuals affected by the calamity countrywide.

In response to the crisis, the government is actively engaged in search, rescue, and recovery operations, with a focus on areas like Nakuru, where recent mudslides have occurred. Notably, 23 individuals have been rescued in Garissa.

The impact of the flooding extends beyond Kenya's borders, with neighbouring countries like Uganda, Tanzania, and Burundi also grappling with similar challenges. Authorities continue to urge citizens to remain vigilant and adhere to safety protocols issued by local authorities.

Moreover, the Kenya Railways Corporation has closed the railway line at Kianduma in Kijabe, Kiambu County, due to damage caused by a mudslide. The Kenya Meteorological Department has forecasted further rainfall in the coming weeks, underscoring the need for continued preparedness and response efforts.