The death toll from the devastating floods in Kenya continues to climb, reaching at least 20, with tragic incidents unfolding across the country. The latest reports indicate that eight people drowned in southern Kenya while attempting to cross the flooded Muuoni river in Makueni county.
In the wake of this catastrophe, critical infrastructures have been swept away, and entire villages find themselves submerged by the onslaught of floodwaters. The El Nino phenomenon has particularly ravaged the Coast, Northern, and Central Kenya regions, leaving them in a state of unprecedented distress.
Amidst this humanitarian crisis, the Kenyan government has earmarked a substantial 2.4 billion Kenyan Shillings (approximately 19 million USD) to provide aid and support to those affected. Peninah Malonza, the cabinet secretary for East African Community, the Arid and Semi-Arid Lands (ASALs) & Regional Development, emphasized the urgency of the situation in a statement to the news outlet Nation.
Since the onset of October, the floods have claimed the lives of over 100 individuals in the Horn of Africa and displaced a staggering 700,000 people, as per the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs. The scale of this crisis has inflicted widespread displacement and devastation in the region.
The situation calls for immediate and concerted action to alleviate the suffering of those affected and to prevent further loss of life. It is imperative for both national and international efforts to be mobilized to address the pressing needs arising from this calamity.
These harrowing events serve as a stark reminder of the urgent need to prioritize disaster preparedness and resilience in vulnerable regions such as Kenya. As the country grapples with the aftermath of these catastrophic floods, the collective response and support from both local and global communities will play a pivotal role in the recovery and rebuilding process.
The Africanews article provides a sobering reflection of the widespread impact of the floods in Kenya, bringing to light the human toll and the challenges faced by those in the affected regions.
Keyword: Kenya floods, death toll, El Nino, humanitarian crisis, Kenyan government, disaster preparedness
