Kenya: Heavy Rains and Flooding Update - Flash Update #6 (17 May 2024)

HIGHLIGHTS

• An estimated 291 people have been killed, 188 injured, and 75 missing, while 278,380 people (55,676 families) have been displaced and almost 412,763 (82,552 families) have been affected by heavy rains and floods between 1 March and 16 May 2024, according to the National Disaster Operations Centre (NDOC).
• At least 11,311 livestock have been lost, 47,578 acres of croplands and 67 roads damaged, 1,023 small businesses and 129 schools have also been affected as of 15 May, according to the Kenya Red Cross Society (KRCS).
• A total of 178 displacement sites are active, accommodating 71,704 people, according to the KRCS as of 17 May.
• The search and rescue operations are ongoing, including in Narok, West Pokot, Nyeri, Siaya and Kirinyaga counties.
• There is a need for more food, medical kits, and non-food items for affected counties.
• Continued heavy rainfall is likely over the Central Highlands, including Nairobi, Western Kenya, parts of Northwestern Kenya, Lake Victoria Basin, parts of Southeastern (Kajiado and Machakos) and Rift Valley regions. The rest of the country is expected to remain generally dry. Strong southerly and southeasterly winds of 25 knots (12.5 m/s) are expected in the Eastern half of the country and the Northwestern region, according to the Kenya Meteorological Department (KMD).

SITUATION OVERVIEW & HUMANITARIAN IMPACTS

An estimated 291 people have been killed, 188 injured, and 75 missing, while 278,380 people (55,676 families) have been displaced and almost 412,763 (82,552 families) have been affected by heavy rains and floods between 1 March and 16 May 2024, according to the NDOC. However, the number of displaced people as reported in OCHA Flash Update number 5 has reduced by 3,455 as some have moved from displacement sites to rented accommodation or to live with relatives. The two most affected counties are Nairobi, with an estimated 256,890 people affected, and Garissa with 35,987 people affected. The heavy rains and floods also have caused damage to 64 health facilities (13 in Garissa; 12 in Kajiado; Nine in Tana River) and 419 water and sanitation (WASH) facilities. According to KRCS, at least 11,311 livestock have been lost, 47,578 acres of croplands and 67 roads damaged, and some 1,023 small businesses and 129 schools have also been affected as of 15 May. A total of 178 camps are active (84 in Tana River;14 in Kisumu;11 in Baringo; and 10 in Busia), accommodating 71,704 people as of 17 May, according to the KRCS. Overall, 15 cases of Gender Based Violence (GBV) have been reported in 3 counties (11 in Nairobi, 2 in Turkana, and 2 in Baringo).

The situation of dams and waterways nationwide is critical, with dams being overtopped and embankments eroded. Evacuations are ongoing in potentially risky areas including identified riparian areas. The government has mandated the immediate evacuation of individuals living within the 30-meter riparian corridor nationwide. In Nairobi County, about 3,005 people are being hosted in temporary evacuation centres while a majority of 65,493 affected people have integrated with the community as of 16 May. Apart from the above, the health situation is also facing challenges. As of 15 May, 53 confirmed cholera cases in Tana River County, with no deaths were reported. A new case of circulating Vaccine-derived poliovirus 2 (cVDPV2) has been detected in a child within the Dagahaley Refugee Camp in Garissa County. Additionally, 54 diarrhea infections have been reported in Nyeri. There is a high risk of vector-borne diseases, especially Rift Valley Fever, which is zoonotic owing to the conducive environment for the multiplication of vectors.

The most flood-affected counties in the Western Kenya region are Kisumu, Homabay, Busia, and Migori. At least 16,365 families have been affected, with 4,926 families seeking temporary refuge within their communities, 9,188 families in evacuation camps, and 2,256 families resettled. About 708 families were displaced in Merti South and North in Isiolo County after River Ewaso Nyiro broke its banks. Schools, business premises, health and sanitation facilities were also affected. In Mandera County, as of 12 May, about 5,196 families have been affected and 1,136 families were displaced because of the flash flood. The situation is expected to worsen significantly by the end of May because of the rise in the water level of the river Daua due to heavy rains experienced in southern Ethiopia. In Nakuru County, on 11 May, suspected volcanic fault lines extended downwards, impacting rental houses. About 60 families residing along the fault line were evacuated by authorities, with no reported casualties. In Kajiado County, the water clogging at SGR (Standard Gauge Railway) Underpass in Rongai, resulted in the road being impassable. In Tana River County, 48 schools were not able to open on 13 May due to the flooding. On 11 May, the heavy downpours upstream caused Tana River to overflow, resulting in flooding of fields, the Garsen-Witu-Lamu Road being overtopped, and submerging parts of Hola town. About 38 active IDP sites are hosting 1,625 families displaced (8,125 people) while 13,993 families (69, 965 people) are affected in the county. In Garissa County, the process of relocating 35,987 IDPs from Kazuku Primary and Hyuga Girls Primary Schools to Agricultural Development Corporation (ADC) was completed and 875 families (4,375 people) were moved successfully. In Kiambu County, the Kimende area was declared a danger zone and cordoned off owing to a massive landslide covering an area of approximately one acre on 14 May. The landslide reportedly killed at least five people and displaced 45 families, as well as led to the closure of the Kijabe-Matathia Road. Search and rescue operation was ongoing, with 32 families evacuated to safe ground, two people rescued and three missing as of 16 May, according to the authorities. In Nakuru County, following the mudslide tragedy in Mai Majiu, 62 people were killed and 27 people are still missing. The search and rescue operations were ongoing, including in Narok, West Pokot, Nyeri, Siaya and Kirinyaga counties.

The flash floods from Ethiopian highlands were expected in Wajir North, West, Eldas and Wajir South sub-counties. Continued heavy rainfall is likely over the Central Highlands, including Nairobi, Western Kenya, parts of Northwestern Kenya, Lake Victoria Basin, parts of Southeastern (Kajiado and Machakos) and Rift Valley regions. The rest of the country is expected to remain generally dry. Strong southerly and southeasterly winds of 25 knots (12.5 m/s) are expected in the Eastern half of the country and the Northwestern region, according to the Kenya Meteorological Department (KMD).