Heavy rains and floods have wreaked havoc in Kenya’s coastal region, killing at least 12 people and forcing more than 20,000 families to flee their homes. The floods, caused by the El Niño weather phenomenon, have also affected neighboring countries such as Somalia and Ethiopia. Among the victims were two employees of Kenya’s tax agency, who were swept away by the raging waters while driving on Friday. Their bodies were recovered on Sunday by the Kenya Coast Guard, along with the body of a man who was riding his motorbike. The Coast Guard also rescued several people who were trapped by the floods.
The worst-hit counties were Mombasa, Kilifi, Kwale and Tana River, where roads, bridges, houses and crops were destroyed by the torrential downpour. The Coast regional police commissioner Rhoda Onyancha said on Saturday that the situation was dire and appealed for humanitarian assistance. The Kenya Red Cross Society said it had deployed teams to provide emergency relief to the affected communities, including food, water, shelter and health services. The organization also warned of the risk of waterborne diseases such as cholera and malaria.
The Kenya Meteorological Department said the heavy rains were expected to continue until the end of November and urged people to avoid low-lying areas and fast-flowing rivers. The department also advised motorists to exercise caution and follow the directions of the authorities. The floods have also impacted the wildlife in the region, especially the elephants, which have been stranded in the flooded areas. The Kenya Wildlife Service said it was working with other agencies to rescue the animals and prevent human-wildlife conflicts.
The floods have exposed the vulnerability of the coastal region, which is prone to natural disasters such as droughts, landslides and tsunamis. Experts have called for more investment in disaster preparedness and resilience, as well as addressing the root causes of climate change. Despite the challenges, the people of the coast have shown remarkable courage and solidarity in the face of the floods. Many have volunteered to help their neighbors, donate supplies and clean up the debris. They have also expressed hope that the rains will bring some benefits, such as replenishing the water sources and improving the soil fertility.
Source: [BBC News]
