In a tragic update, the death toll from Kenya’s devastating floods has surged to at least 228, with 72 individuals currently reported as missing and 164 wounded, Government Spokesman Isaac Mwaura announced on Sunday (May 5).
The floods, triggered by weeks of heavier than usual seasonal rains compounded by natural weather phenomena like El-Nino and the Indian Ocean Dipole, have wreaked havoc across East Africa.
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Mwaura revealed that over 223,000 people have been affected by the catastrophic floods, prompting authorities to enforce evacuation orders issued on May 2nd. In Nairobi County alone, 163,210 residents have been evacuated from vulnerable areas along riverbanks, with the government arranging alternative accommodations. Mwaura clarified that these evacuations were conducted on a mix of voluntary and mandatory basis.
Despite the challenges posed by the flooding, Mwaura emphasized that Kenya remains safe for tourism. In a recent development, holidaymakers and staff were evacuated from the Maasai Mara National Reserve in southwestern Kenya last week as a precautionary measure.
As rescue and relief efforts intensify, authorities are racing against time to locate the missing individuals and provide aid to those affected by the ongoing crisis.
Source: Africa News