Death Toll Rises to 228 in Kenyan Flush Floods

Nairobi, Kenya - The devastating impact of ongoing floods in Kenya has intensified, with the death toll now reaching at least 228, while 72 people remain missing and 164 have been injured.

The Government Spokesman, Isaac Mwaura, announced on Sunday, May 5, that the floods have affected over 223,000 people across the nation.

In response to the crisis, authorities have continued to enforce an evacuation order initially issued on May 2nd. In Nairobi County alone, 163,210 residents have been evacuated from areas near rivers, commonly referred to as riparian zones.

These evacuations, which include both forcible and voluntary relocations, are part of the government's efforts to provide alternative accommodations to those displaced by the flooding.

Despite the severe weather challenges, Mwaura reassured that Kenya remains safe for tourism. This statement comes after holidaymakers and staff were evacuated from the Maasai Mara national reserve in southwestern Kenya last week, a popular destination known for its wildlife and safari tours.

The country has been experiencing weeks of unusually heavy seasonal rains, exacerbated by global weather phenomena such as El Niño and the Indian Ocean Dipole. These conditions have contributed to widespread chaos not only in Kenya but across the entire East African region.

The situation remains critical, with the government and humanitarian agencies working tirelessly to manage the impacts of the floods, ensuring the safety of affected populations, and beginning to assess and address the longer-term recovery needs of the region.