From Mandera to Mombasa: Six people killed as floods wreak havoc in 4 counties

Six people have lost their lives following heavy downpours witnessed in major parts of the country.

Three of the victims included an 85-year-old grandmother and two candidates of the just completed KCPE exams who died after they were swept away by heavy torrents in Elwak, Mandera County.

Another victim died after a house collapsed in Kisauni Area of Mombasa County on Thursday night, while the other two victims died in Kwale and Meru counties.

Two schools and two health centres have been submerged in Mandera County as the rains continue to pour. Alu-Weys Primary School, Elwak Deb Primary School, Elwak Sub County Referral Hospital, and Adra Health Centre were all severely affected. 

Over 5,000 households were impacted, with an unknown number of livestock swept away by the floods.

Given the gravity of the situation, Mandera County's Ministry of Health has issued an alert, warning that Elwak sub-county, which bore the brunt of the catastrophe, is at risk of a waterborne epidemic.

The county government says Elwak town is flooded, with almost all latrines filled up, leading to backwater overflow into stagnant pools on plots, streets, and other public areas.

In Chunda Area of Kisauni, Mombasa County, one person lost his life when a house caved into the heavy rains. The deluge which persisted throughout Thursday night, also caused significant flooding after drainage systems clogged.

In the nearby Kwale County, another victim fell victim to Mother Nature's fury after he was swept away by flash floods as he tried to cross River Ngoni in Maweu, Samburu village.

In Igembe area of Meru County, another person was swept away by the surging floods as he was heading home.

The heavy rains caused River Athwana to burst its banks, leading to massive floods that displaced hundreds of residents from their homes.

In the aftermath of the heavy rains, numerous families in Tigania, Meru County, were left homeless and without access to food.

Desperate for assistance, they have pleaded with the government for emergency relief food, bedding, and clothing, especially for families with learners.