At least 62 people have died in Kenya over the past week after heavy rains caused widespread flooding, according to authorities. The death toll has risen from a previous count of 42 reported a week ago.
Key Takeaways
Severe flooding and landslides have caused significant loss of life in Kenya and Ethiopia. At least 62 people have died in Kenya due to flash floods triggered by heavy rains over the past week. In neighboring Ethiopia, landslides have killed at least 70 people in the southern Gamo Zone.
- Death toll from flooding in Kenya rises to 62
- Heavy rains cause widespread damage and rescue operations in Nairobi
- Landslides in Ethiopia's Gamo Zone kill at least 70 people
- Authorities urge residents to move to safer ground due to ongoing heavy rains
The heavy rainfall triggered flash floods not seen in years, with rivers bursting their banks and damaging roads, power lines, and water infrastructure. In Nairobi, some roads have been closed due to damaged bridges, and several schools were flooded after Saturday's downpour. The Interior Ministry warned that different parts of the country continue to experience heavy rains, increasing the risk of further flooding.
Rescue operations are ongoing following what authorities described as 'torrential rain and subsequent devastating flooding.' More than half of those killed—33 people—have been in Nairobi, where poor drainage and unregulated development have exacerbated the situation. President William Ruto announced that emergency food supplies and medical assistance are being delivered to affected areas, and efforts are underway to clear blocked drainage systems.
Neighboring Ethiopia has also been severely affected by flooding and landslides. According to regional officials, at least 70 people were killed in the Gamo Zone of southern Ethiopia earlier this week. The death toll had previously been reported as 52 but has since risen due to ongoing rescue operations.
The Ethiopian Broadcasting Corporation posted a photo on Facebook showing residents standing knee-deep in mud at the scene of a landslide, with parts of a nearby hillside stripped of vegetation. Authorities have urged residents to move to higher ground as rains continue and more disasters are expected.
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