By Lauryne Akoth
The Government spokesperson Dr Isaac Mwaura has confirmed the total tally of missing persons and displaced households countrywide.
Speaking at a press conference in Mombasa, he noted that 70 persons have gone missing as of yesterday bringing the total number of missing persons to 91.
Giving a breakdown, Dr. Mwaura noted that out of the 91, 76 persons were from the Rift Valley Region following the unfortunate flash floods that swept away homes in Maimahiu leaving at least 45 residents dead.
The other 10 were from the Eastern region and 1 from the coastal region.
According to Mwaura, 30,214 households have been displaced-comprising 190, 242 individuals displaced. Nairobi county currently is the worst affected with 147,000 Kenyans displaced, accounting for 77% of displacements countrywide.
He convened the government’s empathies to the families affected by floods and assured that a total of 52 displacement camps have been set up to provide displaced individuals with temporary accommodation.
Additionally, he mentioned that the president is currently chairing a cabinet meeting after which the President and his Deputy Rigathi Gachagua are expected to deploy senior government officials to various hotspots within the country, having mapped out 8 major ones.
He additionally noted that 32 out of 47 counties have been affected disproportionately by the floods and the heavy rains.
“Weather forecast for 30th April to 6th May indicates that rainfall is expected to continue in several parts of the country with parts of the highlands, east, and west of Rift Valley, the Rift Valley, the Lake Victoria Basin, South Eastern Lowlands, Northwestern and Northern Kenya,” said the government’s spokesperson.
He confirmed that the government has implemented a two-month program aimed at mitigating the impact of floods with an allocated budget of approximately Kshs 4B.
Read More: Government Allocates Kshs 4B To Mitigate Floods Impact
He urged International Humanitarian organizations and individuals of goodwill to collaborate with the government in aiding those affected by floods.
Citizens were warned against walking or driving through swiftly moving waters and advised to remain vigilant for potential floodwaters, even in the absence of rain. Boat operators were also urged to exercise caution, following the capsizing of a boat transporting residents in Tana River.
Kenyans were cautioned against seeking shelter under trees and metallic structures, with the meteorological department issuing warnings of heavy rains accompanied by strong winds, thunderstorms, and lightning.
Moreover, he noted that marine activities might be disrupted by strong waves in the upcoming days.
He reassured that the national multi-agency committee would continue its operations at the National Disaster Operations Centre to coordinate government response efforts.
He also announced that the government and its partners are persistently providing food and non-food items, as well as offering rescue and evacuations based on needs assessments.
Kenyans were encouraged to adhere to safety guidelines and stay informed through various government agencies, including his office and the office of the government spokesperson.