Five more people killed as nationwide flood death toll climbs to 71

The death toll from the ongoing floods has risen to 71 after five more fatalities were recorded.

The National Police Service (NPS), in a statement on Tuesday, confirmed the numbers saying it is continuing with search and rescue operations across the country in collaboration with other agencies following the heavy downpours that triggered flash floods in multiple regions last week.

“Unfortunately, the cumulative number of fatalities has now risen to 71, with five more deaths recorded,” the statement read.

According to NPS Spokesperson Muchiri Nyaga, Nairobi remains the hardest-hit region, accounting for 36 deaths.

The Eastern region has recorded 19 fatalities after one additional death, while the Coast region’s toll stands at three following another reported fatality.

The Nyanza region has recorded four deaths, Rift Valley eight, and Central region one.

The floods have also left a trail of destruction, sweeping through several areas, destroying homes and displacing approximately 2,622 families. Infrastructure and property have also been extensively damaged.

The NPS warned that the situation could worsen as rains are expected to continue across the country.

“With rains projected to continue across the country, we urge members of the public to exercise extreme caution and vigilance, and to strictly adhere to updates and safety advisories issued by the Kenya Meteorological Department and other relevant government agencies,” Nyaga stated.

He commended responders and volunteers involved in rescue efforts, noting that a high-level emergency response team remains on high alert and is actively deployed on the ground.

Members of the public have been urged to report emergencies at the nearest police station or through toll-free numbers.

Rainfall is expected to increase across several parts of the country beginning Thursday,

This comes even as the Kenya Meteorological Department warned of an increase in rainfall across several parts of the country beginning Thursday.

According to the agency, the rains will start off lightly in the early part of the week and get heavier starting on Thursday. Some locations may get afternoon and night showers with thunderstorms.