El Nino: Death Toll Hits 160 As 529,120 People Displaced

By Moses Muli

Published Dec.2023 5:20 pm(EAT)

The government now says at least six more people have died from the ongoing El Nino rains across various parts of the country, taking the death toll to 160.

Government Spokesperson Dr. Isaac Mwaura, in a press address on Tuesday, said the deaths were reported in the counties of Kilifi (1), Taita Taveta (3), Narok (1), and Homa Bay (1).

According to Dr, Mwaura, a further 529,120 people from 105,824 households have so far been displaced, forcing the State to set up 9 more camps to accommodate them in Tana River (5), Migori (1), Homa Bay (1), and Voi (2).

“Weather forecasts indicate continued rainfall in the Central Highlands, Western Kenya. Lake Victoria Basin, South-Eastern lowlands, and the Coast this week (5th-11th December). Conversely, dry conditions are expected in North-Eastern and North-Western Kenya except Garissa where occasional rainfall is anticipated,” he stated.

“The impact on infrastructure is significant, with numerous roads rendered impassable, disrupting transportation of people and relief efforts. For instance, Ambalo, Laaqi and Badan Rero areas of Sololo sub-county in Marsabit County are completely marooned.”

The Government Spokesperson went on to add that school infrastructure in at least 17 counties have also been affected by the heavy floods, namely; Baringo, Elgeyo Marakwet, Embu, Garissa, Homa Bay, Kiambu, Kilifi, Kisii, Meru, Mombasa, Nairobi, Nakuru, Samburu, Murang’a, Taita Taveta, Tana River and West Pokot.

These damages include; 36 schools submerged, 31 rendered inaccessible, 5 hosting displaced persons, 28 lacking learning and teaching materials due to destruction, and an additional 16 schools reporting contaminated water sources.

Dr. Mwaura also said the heavy flooding has caused a Cholera outbreak in Lamu County, where three people have so far died out of a reported 105 affected individuals.

“A concerted push to distribute essential supplies, including food and non-food items, continues by road and through airlifts and airdrops in inaccessible areas in 19 affected counties. Evacuation efforts are also ongoing, with Kenya Navy Boats and Kenya Coast Guard Services mobilized under the ‘Dhibiti Mafuriko’ operation,” he noted.

“We urge citizens to remain vigilant, adhere to safety guidelines, and stay informed about weather alerts, especially in flood-prone regions.”