Devastating Floods and Landslides Kill 188 in Kenya, Displace Thousands

Heavy rainfall in Kenya has led to catastrophic flooding and landslides, resulting in the deaths of at least 188 people since mid-March 2024. An additional 125 people have been injured, and 90 remain missing. The floods have displaced over 165,000 people across the country.

The worst-hit area is Mai Mahiu, where a dam burst on April 29 killed 52 people. Rescue efforts are ongoing, but have been impeded by a lack of equipment in some areas. The Kenya Red Cross has been involved in rescue operations, including saving 11 people from a flooded residential area in Kitengela.

The heavy rains have affected 21 out of Kenya's 47 counties since March, triggering widespread flooding and landslides. The Maasai Mara wildlife reserve has also been impacted, with 90 tourists evacuated after more than a dozen hotels, lodges, and camps were flooded when the Talek River broke its banks. The Mara Elephant Project and Narok County government assisted with the evacuations.

Why this matters: The devastating floods in Kenya highlight the severe impact of climate change on the region. As extreme weather events become more frequent and intense, it is critical for governments and international organizations to prioritize disaster preparedness and response measures to protect vulnerable communities.

President William Ruto has ordered the military to join search and rescue efforts and urged people living in high-risk areas to move to higher ground. The government has completed mapping of at-risk areas and is requesting people evacuate these areas within the next 48 hours. Relief camps are being set up across the country for those being evacuated. "I have ordered the Kenya Defense Forces to immediately mobilize and support the National Police Service and the County Governments in the rescue mission," Ruto said in a statement.

The Kenya Meteorological Department has warned that more heavy rain is expected through May 6, which could trigger additional flooding and hamper ongoing relief efforts. The flooding is part of a larger crisis in East Africa, with Tanzania reporting over 150 casualties and Rwanda reporting at least 10 fatalities due to floods. Pope Francis expressed his spiritual closeness to the people of Kenya during a general audience at the Vatican.

Key Takeaways

• Devastating floods in Kenya have killed 188, injured 125, and displaced 165,000 since March 2024.
• The worst-hit area is Mai Mahiu, where a dam burst killed 52 people on April 29.
• The Maasai Mara wildlife reserve was impacted, with 90 tourists evacuated due to flooding.
• President Ruto ordered military support for rescue efforts and urged evacuations of high-risk areas.
• More heavy rain is expected, potentially triggering additional flooding and hampering relief efforts.