By Lauryne Akoth
The country’s flood-related death toll reaches 179 with 10 more people confirmed dead in the last 24 hours.
According to a statement by the government’s spokesperson Dr Isaac Mwaura, 164 adults and 15 children have died as a result of the floods.
“We regret to inform the public that the ongoing floods have led to the unfortunate loss of 10 lives within the past 24 hours, raising the national flood-related death toll to 179 deaths (164 adults and 15 children),” read the statement in part.
Furthermore, he mentioned that 20 more people have been reported missing since yesterday bringing the national tally of those reported missing to 90.
125 more Kenyans have also been reported injured and are currently receiving treatment in several health facilities countrywide.
Aside from the escalation in the death toll, the number of displaced households has surged. Since yesterday, an additional 1,127 households have been displaced, bringing the total to 31,341 households affected, impacting approximately 195,011 people.
Severa displacement camps have been set up by the government to provide temporary accommodation to those affected.
Both food and non-food items are being evenly distributed among all displacement camps, with the government recently providing relief supplies to several areas.
These supplies include rice, beans, fortified foods, blankets, kitchen sets, cooking stoves, solar lamps, and sanitary pads to Athi River, Githurai, Garissa, Magarini, Malindi, Rabai, and Mathioya sub-counties.
The relief operation will be conducted for the next two months.
” The government has also set up a Relief Operations Centre at the National Cereals Produce Board (NCPB). Senior government officials are leading government response efforts in the counties. The First Lady H.E Mama Rachel Ruto will be in Kibra today to lead a relief distribution to affected families,” read the statement in part.
Kenyans have been urged to remain vigilant and adhere to safety guidelines during this period. Furthermore, Kenyans have been advised to reach out to the National Disaster Operations Centre (NDOC) through the toll-free number 0800721571 to report flood emergencies.