Nairobi, Kenya – Kenyans should move to safer grounds as El Nino rains intensify in the country.
Humanitarian group Kenya Red Cross urged those residing in flood-prone areas to move to safer grounds and escape from the devasting effects of flooding.
The group sent short messages (SMS) to all Kenyans advising vigilance in areas they stay and move if they notice rising waters.
“Rains from higher areas may cause floods in your area. Move to safer grounds if you notice rising water levels. Call Red Cross on 1199 for inquiries,” read the text message in part.
El Nino floods toll in Kenya
The heavy rains leading to floods have displaced thousands of people across different parts of the country, with the most affected being the Coast region, North Eastern and Eastern.
The floods also claimed dozens of at least 46 lives across the affected regions, loss of property and livestock, Citizen Digital reported.
Latest reports indicated that the floods killed at least six people in three counties of Kericho (2), Kilifi (9) and Kitui (5).
In Kilifi County, the floods displaced more than 500 households with 228 families relocated to safer grounds.
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Kenya Metrological Department projected the rains for the period between October and December 2023, adding that the rains will go up to the first quarter of the year 2024.
Areas affected by floods in Kenya
Kenya Red Cross Society Secretary General Ahmed Idris said about half of the country’s 47 counties have been affected by the floods.
The most affected counties include Samburu, Wajir, Isiolo, Marsabit, Mandera, Tana River, Mandera and Garissa. Others joining the list are Kitui, Kericho, Mombasa, Kitui Nyandarua, Nyeri, Kirinyaga, Murang’a, Kiambu, Laikipia East, Meru, Embu, Tharaka Nithi, Nairobi Taita Taveta, and Kajiado.
https://twitter.com/InteriorKE/status/1726583766691520783
According to the Interior Ministry, the government deployed disaster response and security teams to identify areas that are likely to be affected.
“Disaster response and security teams have been activated and in the short-term are identifying locations that are likely to be marooned in respective flood-prone counties through aerial and ground reconnaissance,” read the press release from the Ministry of Interior in part.
The teams include Kenya Coast Guard Services, National Police Service, Kenya Defence Forces and Kenya Wildlife Service, in collaboration with the Kenya Red Cross.
The teams also distribute food and non-food items to the affected communities and families in evacuation centres.
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