The Kenya Red Cross has issued a dire warning as heavy rains relentlessly batter vast swathes of the country, triggering a potential humanitarian crisis. With the death toll climbing to 38 by Tuesday evening, Nairobi County bears the brunt of the devastation, recording the highest number of casualties.
According to the latest report from the Kenya Red Cross, more than 20,000 households find themselves in the grip of this calamity, spanning over 23 counties. Since the onset of the March-May rains, a staggering 23 counties have felt the impact, with 24,741 households affected, and 11,206 of these households displaced. In a glimmer of hope amidst the chaos, 188 individuals have been rescued from perilous situations.
The extent of the damage is staggering, with over 27,716 acres of land submerged under the relentless deluge. Tragically, the toll extends beyond human suffering, with approximately 4,824 livestock perishing as a result of the adverse conditions.
The affected regions encompass a broad spectrum of Kenya’s geography, including the Coastal area, Central regions including Nairobi, the Western Highlands, Rift Valley, Lake Victoria Basin, South-eastern lowlands, and North-eastern regions.
In its daily updates, the Kenya Red Cross articulates the grim reality facing affected communities, stating, “Since the onset of the March-April-May (MAM) rains, multiple counties have felt its effects, resulting in households being affected, displacements, establishment of displacement camps, submerged arable land, impacted businesses and livestock deaths.”
The situation remains fluid and precarious, with ongoing efforts focused on providing relief and assistance to those in dire need. As the rains persist, the collective resilience of the Kenyan people is tested, yet amidst adversity, solidarity and support emerge as beacons of hope in these trying times.
Edited by Neville Ng’ambwa
