60,000 displaced by flash floods
This car was crushed by a perimeter wall in Kangemi, Nairobi on May 3, 2012 following heavy rains. Photo/ISHMAEL OMBATI
Some 60,000 people have been displaced following flash floods and landslides that have hit several parts of the country.
Kenya Red Cross Society spokesperson Nelly Muluka said at least 40 people have died and 42 others have been injured while two are still missing after the floods.
At the same time, the floods have caused massive damage to property and infrastructure.
Ms Muluka said in Thika’s Ofafa area, houses of 100 families were submerged when rains pounded the area on Tuesday while those of 10 households in Thome village in Mwea, Kirinyaga District, suffered the same fate at the weekend.
“Following the displacement, the society has been distributing tarpaulins, blankets, mosquito nets, kitchen sets and collapsible jerry cans among other items to the affected families,” she said.
Ms Muluka said water levels in River Nzoia had now risen to 4.63 metres, “which is a rather worrying situation”.
“Following the rising water levels, Red Cross personnel have advised communities that are at risk to move to higher ground,” Ms Muluka added.
The Meteorological Department said flooding had been reported in Lower Sabaki/Athi River, Magarini, Kilifi, Malindi, parts of Nyanza, Nyando and peri-urban areas neighbouring Nairobi such as Syokimau and Kitengela.
Farmers in Ndalat and Nandi are counting losses as produce is rotting after failing to deliver it to markets since the roads have been rendered impassable by the rains.
At the same time, Red Cross will today roll out a health initiative targeting residents in various parts of Nyanza who were displaced by floods. Mr Benson Simba, the society’s regional health officer, said that in most disasters, health support is often ignored yet it is a very important component that can help save lives.
Raging floods on Thursday claimed their first victim in Nyandarua County when an 11-year-old was swept away in Malewa, Kipipiri District, as he watered the family’s livestock.
Reported by Samuel Koech, Mike Mwaniki, James Kariuki and Abiud Ochieng’
