The death toll from the severe floods wreaking havoc across multiple regions in Kenya has surged to 120, nearly doubling the initial count, as reported by a government official on Tuesday. Raymond Omollo, a senior official from the interior ministry, disclosed that more than 89,000 households have been displaced, seeking refuge in over 112 camps.
The dire situation is a result of ongoing torrential rains linked to the El Nino weather pattern, impacting not only Kenya but also neighboring countries like Somalia and Ethiopia. The floods exacerbate the humanitarian crisis in the region, which is just recovering from the worst drought in four decades, leaving millions in dire need.
The most severely affected areas are four counties in eastern Kenya, with an additional 10 on high alert for potential disasters. In response to the crisis, Kenyan President William Ruto convened an emergency cabinet meeting on Monday, vowing to allocate billions of Kenyan shillings (millions of dollars) to support the affected regions.
Initially, the president’s office reported 76 casualties and over 35,000 households displaced after the emergency meeting.
