Heavy rain, deadly floods affecting Kenya

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Heavy rains have been affecting northern and central Kenya since November 1, causing floods, casualties, and damage. As of early November 10, four people were reported dead and 70 families have been displaced in Marsabit County. In addition, 200 families were affected and dozens of homes damaged both in Marsabit and Meru counties.

According to Kenya Red Cross (KRC), over 70 families have been displaced by flooding in Qolom, (Olom, near Kalacha, Marsabit County after heavy rain that began around November 5. The flooding forced the families to move to higher ground and cannot return to their village until water levels recede. Marsabit County Government have distributed relief supplies including food and mattresses. KRC said relief items were distributed via a helicopter as the area was inaccessible.

KRC also reports that 60 houses were flooded following heavy rains in Limbine and Muthara in Tigania East and West sub-county in Meru. A bridge was also swept away pit latrines have been damaged.

Flooding has also affected 45 households in Mukothima in Tharaka Nithi County and KRC is currently conducting damage assessments.

Meanwhile, transport to and from Turkana has been paralyzed after the Kainuk Bridge on the border between Turkana and West Pokot Counties collapsed due to heavy rain. The bridge suffered some damaged by floodwaters on October 20, 2017. Further heavy rain damaged the bridge beyond use for vehicles and pedestrians.

Over the next 24 h, heavy rains and thunderstorms are forecast for western-central and north-western regions of the country.

Featured image: Kenya after floods, November 2017. Credit: Kenya Red Cross

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