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Floods death toll hits 277 as 75 people remain missing

Kenya Red Cross officials help in the evacuation of locals from their flooded homes in Baringo County in April 2024 (Photo: Kenya Red Cross)

By Maureen Kinyanjui | Monday, May 13, 2024

188 people were reported injured, while the number of missing persons stands at 75.

The Ministry of Interior and National Administration now says that the death toll from the ravaging floods has reached 277.

According to the Monday morning update, the number rose after one fatality was recorded in the last 24 hours.

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The ministry, led by Cabinet Secretary Kithure Kindiki, added that 188 people were reported injured, while the number of missing persons stands at 75.

A total of 58,009 households have so far been displaced, affecting approximately 290,045 people.

The total number of schools affected by the heavy rains, however, still stood at 1,967.

"Some of the schools that have been adversely affected by the heavy rains and flooding will have their opening delayed as the National and County Multi-Agency teams ensure that repairs are done to create a safe environment for students to resume learning," the statement read.

As a result, parents were urged to ensure the safety of the children to and from school between 6 am and 6 pm.

The ministry further said that at least 163 camps have been set up across 22 counties, hosting over 39,023 people.

Some of the most affected counties over the last 24 hours are Tana River, Garissa, and Lamu as a result of the Tana Delta flooding due to heavy rains received in the Central region.

The floods have also damaged the agriculture sector, with approximately 9,816 acres of land destroyed and 8,722 livestock reported dead.

At least 419 wash facilities have also been affected countrywide in 20 counties as of Monday, May 13.

"Sectors Affected: Transport, Housing, Education, Health, and Agriculture are the most affected sectors by the floods," read the update released by the Interior Ministry.

The Ministry also highlighted that the government has enhanced countrywide surveillance for vector-borne diseases.

As a result, 200,000 livestock have been vaccinated against Rift Valley Fever and 450 sheep have been vaccinated against blue tongue disease