By Patricia Mollyne Mataga
At least 700 households in Siolo County have been left homeless following flooding in their area.
Kenya Red Cross in a statement on their verified X handle said the floods were a result of River Ewaso Nyiro breaking its banks. This is due to the ongoing heavy rainfall being witnessed in various parts of the country.
The floods have also seen schools, businesses and health facilities marooned with water.
“708 households were displaced in Merti South and North in Isiolo after the River Ewaso Nyiro broke its banks. Schools, business premises and health and sanitation facilities were also affected,” the humanitarian agency said.
The agency has already deployed its team to the area to offer support to those affected.
“The Kenya Red Cross will be registering affected families to provide emergency shelter and other essential items,” it said.
The country has witnessed the devastating effects of floods for the last few months.
Official data from the government indicate that so far, the floods have displaced 55,631 households and affected approximately 278,155 individuals.
“Tragically, 291 lives have been lost, with 75 people still missing and 188 injured,” said government spokesperson Isaac Mwaura in a statement issued on May 16, 2024.
In response to the effects, the government has since established 187 camps across 25 counties to support over 3,000 displaced people, while 65,493 individuals have been reintegrated into the community following evacuation exercises.
Unfortunately, the floods have also caused significant damage to infrastructure, including 64 health facilities across 12 counties, and destroyed 168,092 acres of land.
Health concerns are also mounting with 53 reported cholera cases and 54 cases of dysentery. This has prompted medical outreach programs by the Ministry of Health and the Kenya Red Cross.
Mwaura noted that support from both local and international partners has been crucial in alleviating the suffering of those affected.
So far, the government has received substantial aid, including food, non-food items, and medical kits.
An initiative by Principal Secretaries has raised over KES 1.5 million in aid for flood victims in Nairobi County, reflecting a strong commitment to mutual care during this crisis.