Devastating floods and heavy rainfall in Kenya have resulted in the tragic loss of over 70 lives since mid-March, a significant increase from previous reports earlier this week.
Kenya, along with other East African nations, is facing the brunt of severe downpours, highlighting the region’s susceptibility to climate change.
Government spokesperson Isaac Mwaura confirmed the death toll, stating that 70 Kenyans have succumbed to the flooding, with 32 fatalities in Nairobi and 15 in the Rift Valley region.
Reports indicate that more than 120,000 individuals have been displaced, with additional casualties and missing persons, prompting the government to allocate 3.3 billion Kenyan shillings for immediate relief efforts.
People carry belongings retrieved from their homes following the floods in Nairobi [Luis Tati/AFP]
Significant damage has been reported in 64 public schools in Nairobi, affecting a large portion of the capital’s educational institutions, although plans are in place for schools to reopen after the mid-term break.
With more heavy rainfall predicted in the region due to the monsoon season and exacerbated by the El Nino weather pattern, Kenyans are urged to remain vigilant.
Regional destruction
Meanwhile, the toll from flooding in East Africa continues to rise, with at least 155 fatalities reported.
Post from www.aljazeera.com