Kenya Floods Death Toll Rises to 70 Amid Heaviest Rainfall, More Rain Expected

The death toll has risen to 70 mid-March, according to a government spokesperson. The East African country has seen weeks of severe flooding, particularly in the capital Nairobi and western and central regions.

Five bodies were recovered on Friday from a river in Makueni county after a lorry was swept off a submerged bridge, and 11 others were rescued. "The government has set aside 4 billion Kenya shillings ($29 million) for emergency relief efforts," said Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua.

More than 130,000 people are currently affected, with thousands of houses washed away or flooded, and 64 public schools in Nairobi closed temporarily. The Kenya Meteorological Department has issued a heavy rainfall advisory for the weekend, urging residents to be vigilant.

Why this matters: The devastating floods in Kenya highlight the country's vulnerability to extreme weather events and the need for improved disaster preparedness and response measures. The impact on infrastructure, homes, and livelihoods underscores the urgency of addressing climate change and building resilience in affected communities.

Neighboring countries like Tanzania and Burundi have also reported severe flooding, with 155 people reported dead in Tanzania and more than 200,000 people affected in Burundi. The intense precipitation is being attributed to the El Niño weather pattern, which is associated with increased heat and extreme weather events globally.

The Kenyan government has activated the National Disaster Response Center to monitor the situation and intensify response efforts. "We have made several interventions, including resettling displaced families, restoring bridges, repairing critical infrastructure, and distributing food, non-food, and pharmaceutical items to the affected families," stated Deputy President Gachagua. Authorities are urging Kenyans to exercise caution and relocate from landslide-prone and flood-risk areas as the intense rainfall is anticipated to persist in several regions over the next three days.

Key Takeaways

• Flooding in Kenya has killed 70 people, with over 130,000 affected.
• Govt. allocates $29M for relief efforts as heavy rain continues.
• Floods damage infrastructure, homes, and schools in Nairobi and regions.
• Neighboring Tanzania, Burundi also report severe flooding, linked to El Niño.
• Govt. urges caution, relocation from high-risk areas as heavy rain persists.