In recent weeks, East Africa has been relentlessly battered by incessant rainfall due to the El Nino phenomenon, resulting in severe consequences. The seasonal rainfalls have been intensified, leading to numerous fatalities in Kenya, Tanzania and Burundi.
According to the government of Kenya and the Red Cross, about 180 individuals have lost their lives in floods, and numerous others have been forced to evacuate due to severe flooding and landslides that have occurred in various parts of the country since March.
In a recent update on X (formerly Twitter) , Kenyan government representative revealed that the number of fatalities had increased to 179, with 15 of them being children, after the “regrettable passing of 10 individuals in the last day,” while Kenya Red Cross reported that at least 48 people were killed in the town of Mai Mahiu, following a dam breach earlier this week.
According to government representative, the number of missing individuals nationwide has increased by 20, bringing the total to 90. Furthermore, 125 Kenyans have sustained injuries and are currently hospitalized.
Kenyan Red Cross reported that it has successfully rescued more than 90 individuals, which included tourists who were stranded by the floods in more than 14 tourist camps located in Talek, Narok, following the overflow of the Talek River.
Severe rainfall in Nairobi has swept venomous snakes and crocodiles from the Snake Park at the Museum, prompting the official warning to all residents to remain cautious. Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) and National Museums are actively searching for any stray reptiles, particularly in the vicinity of Kijabe street, Kipande road, Ojijo, and the Goan Gymkana Area. Additionally, approximately 300 tortoises have also escaped the facility after breaking through a fence.
Earlier this week, the government of Kenya issued a warning to Kenyan citizens, advising them to take weather and flood alerts seriously as the current rainfall is expected to lead to more devastating flooding and the severe disruption of various social and business activities.