Kenya flood and landslide death toll rises to 181

Kenya flood and landslide death toll rises to 181

At least 181 people have been killed in devastating flooding triggered by heavy rains in Kenya, according to government officials.

The heavy rains and flooding have displaced 188,000 people, prompting the government to establish a displacement camp to provide alternative accommodation.

The Cabinet on Tuesday ordered residents of flood-prone areas across the country to evacuate or be forcibly moved. “These include areas near dams and other water reservoirs in public or private land, areas prone to mudslides and landslides, and riparian lands along rivers and other water courses across the country,” it said.

The Cabinet also disclosed that water levels at Masinga and Kiambere dams have reached historic highs. Masinga recorded its highest levels ever, surpassing those recorded on May 7, 2020. Similarly, Kiambere Dam registered its highest levels ever on April 26, surpassing the previous historic levels recorded on Nov. 29, 1997.

A dam burst on Sunday night in the town of Mai Mahiu, about 60 kilometers north of Nairobi, killed 48 people and affected many others. Meantime, the resultant effects downstream, especially in Garissa and Tana River counties in eastern Kenya, could worsen the already dire situation, the Cabinet said.