By Fatma Said
Government Spokesperson Isaac Mwaura has announced that authorities are keenly monitoring the floods experienced across the country with a view to alleviate the suffering by citizens.
Speaking on Monday at the Regional Commissioner’s office in Mombasa, Mwaura regretted that some Kenyans had lost their lives due to their daring nature by staying in flood-prone areas and the failure to be cautious about fast-moving waters.
He emphasized that the government is actively engaged in issuing constant reminders through various agencies, urging everyone to remain vigilant, especially in the face of flash floods and mudslides.
“The country continues to experience heavy and persistent rainfall, the unfortunate results of these unfavourable weather patterns have included the destruction of property and infrastructure, displacement of families and loss of lives,” he said.
Schools across the country have been severely affected by adverse weather conditions, according to data from various government agencies. Learners from some schools are unable to carry out any activities due to the severe flooding.
“As a government, we had earlier said that we would only deal with individual schools because we didn’t want to have a blanket postponement of the opening of schools, the various reports received have made it necessary to postpone school opening. We are going to review the matter this week on the new weather updates to help us plan forward,” Mwaura said.
To mitigate the escalating casualty count, the government emphasizes the need for immediate action, noting that a significant portion of the casualties are individuals in transit.
In light of this, the government has postponed the reopening of primary and secondary schools by one week to May 6th, 2024. The move is intended to safeguard the lives of learners and staff in the affected areas and to enable the government to put in place adequate safety measures in all the identified schools and communities.
Meanwhile, the Kenya Meteorological Department has warned of ongoing heavy rains likely to impact several regions, including the Lake Victoria Basin, highlands, lowlands East and West of Rift Valley, Nairobi, and North East and Western Kenya.
Residents of these regions have been urged to keep an eye out for flash floods and poor visibility.
Those affected can reach the National Disaster Operation Centre through the number 0800721571, a toll-free line 1508 has also been established by the Nairobi County Emergency Operation Centre.
Government Spokesperson, Isaac Mwaura addressing journalists at the Regional Commissioner’s Office, Mombasa about the current situation of the ongoing floods. (Photo: Cyzick Sidayi)
