The death toll from floods that have been pounding Kenya since April has risen to 285 and the number of people affected to 810 655, the government reported in a nationwide briefing on Wednesday, May 27, 2020.
Intense downpours caused havoc across the nation, leading to flash floods, landslides, and sinkholes, the government said.
Thousands of people have been displaced, numerous livestock have perished, and wide swaths of crops have been destroyed. The severe weather has also disrupted transportation, as well as fishing and farming communities.
"As of midnight last night, the total number of lives lost has risen to 285, the number of people affected has risen to 810 655," announced Eugene Wamalwa, the minister of Devolution and Arid and Semi-Arid Lands.
The death toll from the floods pelting the country has risen to 285.
— NTV Kenya (@ntvkenya) May 27, 2020
More than 810,000 others have been displaced.#NTVTonight pic.twitter.com/AdFPBgI0kn
810,000 families affected by floods in the country, what is the government doing to ensure this families are resettled in safer grounds and compensated?#TV47KE #TheHomeOfUntoldStories #MidWeek pic.twitter.com/j1FTnSIBzG
— tv47 Kenya (@tv47ke) May 27, 2020
Floods and rising water levels in lakes and rivers were unprecedented and the devastation was overwhelming, the official added.
Coastal and western Kenya regions will continue to be impacted by floods as rains are forecast to continue into June.
The Kenya Red Cross Governor Francis Masika this morning led distribution of food items at Kivaa Ward, Machakos County to families affected by floods and locust invasion.
— Kenya Red Cross (@KenyaRedCross) May 27, 2020
The food, donated by @RamgarhiaYouth, benefited 200 households. He was accompanied by DSG @AnnetteMsabeni. pic.twitter.com/cuBB6m40Po
Our team was recently in Garissa to deliver food donation to vulnerable families affected by floods.
— KenGenKenya (@KenGenKenya) May 27, 2020
In partnership with county and area leadership, the company distributed five tons of beans and rice to Atheyle, Raya, Leheley, Bula Hodan and Balicha sub-locations. #KenGenCares pic.twitter.com/JGcMgpHQ9s
Wamalwa warned that crop loss may lead to food insecurity as floods continue. However, he assured that the government will continue providing relief for affected families in 33 counties.
Featured image credit: TV47 Kenya/YouTube
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