15 people killed as rains intensify

By Peter Ochieng

At least 15 people have died in several parts of the country, as heavy rains intensify.

The rain, which was scaled down from El-Nino has been witnessed in parts of the country since last week.

According to the Kenya Red Cross Society, 15 casualties have been reported so far, with over 15, 200 households having been affected in one way or the other.

"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," the humanitarian organisation said in a statement on Monday.

"241 acres of agricultural farmland have been destroyed due to flash floods," added the statement.

In Mandera county for instance, more than 2,500 people were forced to evacuate their homes, after it rained heavily for over 24 hours during the weekend.

The rising waters made roads impassable, with businesses closing down.

Residential areas, especially Darika Village in Khalalio, Mandera East were surrounded by water, leading to the displacement of numerous residents.

Last week, the meteorological department predicted that the rains will continue for the entire weekend, until Monday when a draw back with be witnessed.

The department urged Kenyans to take precautionary measures so as to stay safe.

"Flood waters may appear in places where it has not rained heavily especially downstream. Residents are advised to avoid driving through, or walking in moving water or open fields and not to shelter under trees and near grilled windows when raining to minimize exposure to lightning strikes,” read an alert from the department.

On the other hand, the Ministry of Health (MOH) warned of a likelihood of increased respiratory diseases due to extreme cold weather, outbreak of water-related diseases like typhoid fever, cholera and diarrhea due to flooding and contamination, increased landslides in hilly areas, leading to property damage, outbreaks of mosquito-related diseases, the likes of Malaria, Dengue, Chikungunya and Rift Valley fever.

"Swollen rivers may lead to drowning and damage to homes and farmlands. After a flood, your water source may be compromised – use safe water only," MOH advised.