Flood deaths on the rise as state unveils number for emergencies

More deaths have been recorded as El Nino continues to wreak havoc in the country. [File, Standard]

Sixteen more deaths have been reported due to El-Nino rains in the country in the last 24 hours.

This brings the total fatalities from ongoing rains to 136 across the country. The number of displaced households is 92,402, comprising 462,000 individuals.

This was announced by Interior Principal Secretary Raymond Omollo yesterday when he provided an update to the press on the government's emergency response to floods in various parts of the country.

He said that rainfall is expected to decrease next week, with sunny and dry conditions prevailing in the North of the country.

However, occasional rainfall is expected to continue in the southern parts, including Narok, Homa Bay, Migori, Kisumu, parts of Kajiado, Taita Taveta, Kwale, and Makueni counties.

Mr Omollo said that food distribution efforts were continuing in affected counties, with 10 tonnes of assorted food items airlifted to Wajir.

"The Kenya Defence Forces has airdropped food items at Chebaso in Isiolo County. The Kutulo-Elwak road has been repaired by the Kenya National Highways Authority engineers and is now passable. This has allowed a 36-truck convoy carrying various commodities, including food and diesel, that was stuck at Tullow to reach its destination," he said.

The PS said that other affected roads are earmarked for repair once water levels subside. "The government has flown rescue boats from Mombasa to Garissa to assist in evacuation and relief efforts."

Omollo urged Kenyans to heed weather and flood alerts, and take necessary precautions to prevent injury or loss of life.

To report emergency incidents, Kenyans are urged to call the National Disaster Operations Centre at the toll-free number 0202151053.

Meanwhile, the Kenya Conference of Catholic Bishops, in a statement, has urged the government to show sensitivity to the needs of Kenyans amidst the negative effects of El-Nino.

The Catholic Bishops emphasised on the responsible use of funds allocated for mitigating impacts of the rains while underscoring the importance of transparency and accountability.

"As we have learned from past incidents, disaster relief funds must be directed towards their intended purpose, prioritizing the well-being of our citizens over personal interests. Far too many times we have witnessed that disasters have become a reason to misdirect relief funds for personal gains," the bishops said.