At least 169 killed following devastating floods in Kenya
The Kenyan government has announced a death toll of at least 169 people following a month of devastating floods across the country. These floods have led to thousands of people being displaced and many others missing. In a significant incident, a ravine collapsed into the Tana River in the east, causing it to overflow its banks with disastrous effects on nearby communities. The search for victims is a laborious process, taking hours to recover bodies from the deadly and murky waters of the flood. Those found are part of the wider catastrophe that has affected hundreds across East Africa. In one tragic event, a person found their cousin among the victims, highlighting the personal tragedies unfolding alongside the natural disaster. The flooding has severely impacted the town of Garissa, where people have resorted to using boats for transport. The bursting of the Tana River’s banks submerged the main road and led to the capsizing of a boat, leaving several people missing. More than 20 individuals have been rescued and taken to nearby hospitals, with survivors recounting harrowing tales of clinging to others for survival amidst the powerful currents. The floods have not only resulted in loss of life and displacement but have also disrupted transport networks across the region. This crisis has been exacerbated by weeks of torrential rain, particularly in the highlands of central Kenya, which has caused rivers to overflow, including the Tana River, affecting hundreds of thousands living in its vicinity. The situation at a hydroelectric dam, where water levels are two meters above design capacity, signifies the extensive overflow contributing to the disaster. In response to the crisis, the government is urging those at risk to relocate to higher ground and is holding cabinet meetings to discuss additional measures to support the victims of these floods, attributed to climate change. With the dams still filling and more rain expected, the situation remains critical as the country grapples with the ongoing natural disaster.