In the last 24 hours, Busia, Kirinyaga, and Homabay counties have been reeling from torrential rains, displacing over 1,000 households and leading to tragic losses nationwide, with at least 13 lives claimed. The Kenya Red Cross Society is urgently advising residents to seek higher ground to prevent further casualties.
Since the rainy season began in mid-March, approximately 15,000 people have been adversely affected by the relentless downpour, according to the United Nations. The Kenya Meteorological Department has issued a warning, forecasting that the heavy rainfall will peak towards late April and gradually ease by June.
Responding to the crisis, the Kenya Red Cross Society has set up camps in the worst-affected areas to provide assistance to those forced out of their homes. In Budalangi, Busia County, over 600 households have been displaced, exacerbating the situation.
The impact extends beyond displacement; local roads are submerged, disrupting daily life and causing significant economic losses. Businesses in Budalangi are reportedly losing up to Ksh6 million daily due to the flooding, largely attributed to backflow from Lake Victoria.
Moving to Kirinyaga County, the Ndia constituency faces its own challenges. Heavy rains over the past three days have affected around 400 households, hitting areas like Moya and Ndia the hardest.
Homabay County shares the plight, with severe flooding in Karachaunya affecting approximately 150 households after a nearby river overflowed. Displaced families have found temporary refuge at Simbi dispensary, but the situation remains dire.
The UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs reported that nearly 20,000 people across the country are grappling with the adverse effects of the weather, including flooding and its secondary consequences.
Nairobi’s informal settlements were struck by tragedy on March 25 when floods claimed 11 lives and displaced 9,000 residents. More recently, on April 8, two individuals, including a child, drowned at a rock catchment dam in Muranga County. In Kitui County, another individual went missing due to river overflow.
With the crisis escalating, the disaster management agency issued a flood warning for Lamu, Tana River, and Garissa counties downstream of the Tana River. Residents are urged to evacuate to higher ground as further rains are expected.
According to meteorological reports, heavy rainfall is anticipated to persist over the next month, with nine counties already experiencing flooding and central regions facing mudslide threats.
