After enduring relentless heavy rains sweeping across various regions of the nation, the establishment of 115 camps spanning 19 counties has been necessary, accommodating a total of 27,586 individuals.
The Government has undertaken targeted measures to address the critical need for sustenance among affected populations. A provision of 336,000 kilograms of rice and beans has been allocated and distributed to support communities in Busia, Homabay, Kisumu, Machakos, Nairobi, Nakuru, and Muranga Counties.
The demand for additional food supplies, medical resources, and non-food essentials remains pronounced in counties grappling with ongoing search and rescue operations. These counties include Garissa, Kiambu, Migori, Narok, Kajiado, West Pokot, Nyeri, Siaya, Nyandarua, Kirinyaga, and Tana River.
Favorable weather forecasts for the North Eastern (Isiolo, Wajir, Mandera, Garissa) and South Eastern (Taita Taveta, Kitui, Tana River) regions offer a window of opportunity for post-flood recovery initiatives. These initiatives encompass public works projects, school reconstruction efforts, repairs to water treatment systems, road maintenance, and enhancements to social and economic infrastructure over the upcoming weekend.
However, persistent heavy rainfall in the Central region, coupled with the overflow risk of the Seven Forks Dams, underscores the looming threat of flooding in the Tana Delta, impacting Garissa, Tana River, and Lamu Counties. Consequently, individuals residing within the 30-meter riparian corridor of rivers and watercourses nationwide have been mandated to evacuate immediately for their safety.
Mandatory evacuation procedures are currently underway along rivers in Nairobi County (Mathare, Ngong, and Nairobi Rivers), with the Government providing logistical assistance, temporary accommodations, and essential provisions to affected individuals.
Furthermore, a 24-hour evacuation notice, effective May 2, 2024, has been issued to settlements within 33 Counties situated near 178 high-risk dams and water reservoirs. This precautionary measure follows a comprehensive assessment of dams nationwide, identifying 192 as high risk across various regions.
Despite intermittent sunny intervals observed in the Coast region, the impending Tropical Cyclone Hidaya is forecasted to bring strong winds, large ocean waves, and heavy rainfall commencing on Sunday, May 5th.
Additionally, over 33 counties spanning Central, Eastern, Rift Valley, Western, Lake Victoria Basin, and Nairobi are projected to experience heavy to very heavy rainfall accompanied by thunderstorms. Anticipated consequences include flooding in low-lying, riparian, and urban areas, with potential landslides and mudslides in regions characterized by steep slopes, escarpments, and ravines.
Over the past 24 hours, flooding has afflicted Nairobi, Kajiado, Machakos, Narok, Kiambu, Muranga, Nyeri, Nakuru, Laikipia, Mandera, and Homabay Counties. Landslides and mudslides have been reported in Muranga, Nyeri, and Nakuru Counties.
Tragically, the heavy rains have claimed the lives of 210 individuals due to severe weather conditions, with an additional 22 fatalities recorded since the last update. Furthermore, 125 people have been injured, while 90 individuals remain missing. Approximately 33,100 households have been displaced, affecting an estimated 165,500 individuals. Additionally, the floods have ravaged infrastructure, with 1,967 schools sustaining damage.
All citizens and residents are urged to heed guidance and evacuation directives from authorities, limit non-essential travel, and remain vigilant throughout the weekend.
In the event of a flood emergency, individuals are advised to promptly contact the National Disaster Operations Center (NDOC) via the toll-free number: 0800721571.
