Kenya is facing a major flooding crisis as weeks of rains have led to serious devastations.
About 170 people have died in the northern part of the country alone from the heavy downpour.
About 45 people had been confirmed dead from villages that were washed away near Mai Mahiu, which is about 60km (37 miles) from the capital, Nairobi.
But the Kenya Red Cross says the number is higher, with 50 people killed.
Slow response from governmentÂ
Government’s response to the floods has been criticized as slow by local governments.
President William Ruto however defended his government’s actions. He said they would talk about more ways to help with the floods in their meeting on Tuesday.
When asked if the floods would be declared a national disaster right away, President Ruto said his first job was to make sure affected areas get what they need.
According to experts, more rains are expected in the East African country.
Due to this, the government has decided to keep schools closed. More than 130,000 people have had to leave their homes because of the floods.
Many are staying in schools for shelter.
Kenya has allocated 4 billion shillings (about 30 million U.S. dollars) for immediate response to the devastating flooding caused by heavy rains in several parts of the country.
The Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua said there are contingency plans in place to enhance the coordination of the emergency response.
“We are in discussions with the National Treasury, and we are trying to put up 4 billion shillings as an emergency fund. The National Youth Service will be facilitated to resettle the displaced families, unblock drains and waterways, and handle the spilling dams,” Gachagua said.
Massive destructionÂ
The rains have also killed cattle and destroyed food crops, roads and bridges across the country, disconnecting some areas from the rest of the country.
The resettlement of displaced families is underway as well as the restoration of washed-away bridges, repair of critical infrastructure, activation of the National Disaster Response Center and distribution of food, non-food and pharmaceutical items to affected families.
Kenyans have been advised to be vigilant for potential floods and flash floods as rain intensifies in the coming days.
Source: Africafeeds.com
