El Nino rains: Death toll rises to 154 amidst flood havoc

Government spokesperson, Isaac Mwaura. [David Gichuru,Standard]

An additional twelve lives were lost in the last few hours, bringing the total death toll to 154 due to the ongoing El-Nino floods in the country.

In a statement sent to newsrooms, the government spokesperson, Isaac Mwaura, noted that the challenges arising from the ongoing floods continue to intensify.

He announced that the continued floods have led to cholera and other water borne disease outbreaks.

"About 103 cholera cases have been confirmed in Lamu County, with two resultant deaths," Mwaura said.

According to the Spokesman the rains are expected to continue upto December 11 in the Central Highlands, Western Kenya, the Lake Victoria Basin, the South-Eastern lowlands and the Coast.

However, North-Eastern and North-Western Kenya are likely to be generally dry.

"Isolated storms and heavy rainfall are likely to occur over some parts of the Central Highlands, Western Kenya, the Lake Victoria Basin and the South-Eastern lowlands; which is likely to lead to further flooding," he said.

Mwaura reiterated that several roads have become impassable due to the persistent effects of the floods with the Moyale-Dabel-Buna-Eldas- Griftu-Wajir (A14) road being partially impassable at the Dela, Korrondile and Buna sections.

"Equipment have been mobilized to carry improvement works, repair cut off sections and to assist vehicles stuck in the mud," he said.

In response to the challenges, he said the government is actively engaged in comprehensive relief efforts. Mwaura said that distribution of Insecticide Treated Nets (ITNs), healthcare products, and vaccines is underway.

He reminded Kenyans to stay updated on weather alerts and take necessary precautions, especially in flood-prone regions.