Floods in parts of Kenya. PHOTO/@KenyaRedCross/X

At least 15,264 households have been affected by ongoing heavy rains and floods, the Kenya Red Cross (KRC)has noted.

In a statement on Monday, November 6, 2023, KRC noted that at least 15 casualties had been reported and at least 1067 livestock deaths. 

"Heavy rains with varying flood effects have been reported across the country. As of yesterday, 15,264 households have been affected, with 15 casualties reported and at least 1067 livestock deaths. 241 acres of agricultural farmland have been destroyed due to flash floods," KRC stated.

Frequent floods

According to the International Federation of Red Cross Africa (IFRC), the floods are becoming more severe, with an urgent to to take more precautions and put in more measures to mitigate the effects.

"Climate change is making floods more frequent and severe. There is an urgent need to invest in climate adaptation measures to protect communities from the devastating impacts of floods and other adverse weather conditions," IFRC stated. 

State Department of Environment and Climate Change Principal Secretary Festus Ng'eno said that the department is currently facing liquidity challenges, the reason they have not achieved much in terms of putting up mitigation measures.

"It is worth noting that some of the planned targets for fiscal year 2023/2024 have not been achieved due to liquidity challenges currently being experienced by the State Department of Environment and Climate Change. Significant proportion of the Exchequers received so far have been in respect of compensation to employees and transfers to Semi-Autonomous Government Agencies (SAGAs) under the State Department." Ng'eno said.

In October, the Kenya Meteorological Department forecasted that the country will experience enhanced (above average) rainfall that will be well distributed in both time and space.

"During OND 2023, it is expected that most parts of the country will experience enhanced (above average) rainfall that will be well distributed in both time and space. The forecast indicates a high probability that some counties in the Northeastern region are likely to experience above-average rainfall," the Met Department's forecast read in part.

On Wednesday, November 1, 2023, the weatherman issued a heavy rainfall advisory for four days, lasting until Sunday, November 5, 2023. 

According to the weatherman, the heavy rainfall being experienced over the northeast, northwest and central highlands is expected to intensify and spread to Nairobi, the southeastern lowlands, the western sector and the coast.

The intensity is projected to reduce on Monday, November 6, 2023, over the southeastern lowlands and parts of the northeast.

"These rains are likely to be accompanied by gusty winds," the department said. By Francis Muli, People Daily