Floods: Death Toll Hits 179 As 10 More People Die In Floodwaters, Govt Announces

• The government confirmed 179 Kenyans have lost their lives following the ongoing floods in the country by Wednesday, May 1
• Additionally, Kenyans residing in areas risk of flooding are required to vacate within the next 48 hours to safer grounds
• In the statement, 90 Kenyans are still missing after being swept away by floods, while 125 injured are being treated across hospitals in the country

The ongoing floods have claimed 179 lives as of Wednesday, May 1, according to the Government Spokesperson Isaac Mwaura within the last 24 hours.

In the statement released on Wednesday afternoon, 164 and 15 deaths accounted were adults and children respectively, 20 people are reported missing, tallying to 90, while 125 were injured.

"Floods have led to the unfortunate loss of 10 lives within the past 24 hours, raising the national flood-related death toll to 179 deaths. 20 more people have been reported missing putting it at 90, as 125 Kenyans have been injured," Mwaura said.

How many people have been affected by floods?

Mwaura further said 1,127 households have been displaced, raising the number of Kenyans displaced to 31,341 with a total of 195,011 Kenyans affected.

He, however, said the government has set up displacement camps to provide alternative accommodation to the displaced.

Where is the response centre placed?

The government has set up another relief centre at the National Cereals and Produce Board (NCPB) as senior government officials lead in response efforts.

"The government has also set up a relief operations centre at the NCPB senior government officials are leading government response efforts in the counties. Mama Rachel Ruto will be in Kibra today," he said.

According to Mwaura, the government has done the mapping of areas at risk of being hit by floods. The government has ordered residents in such areas to relocate within 48 hours.

"The government has completed the mapping out of all the fragile ecosystems around the country, which pose a danger to public health and safety. Members of the public residing within the risky areas are required to relocate within 48 hours," he stated.

The government asked to account for flood failure

Earlier on, businessman Nazir Jinnah has the government should hold accountable those who failed to act on the ongoing floods in the country.

He said the lack of preparedness and timely response to the flooding crisis has raised serious questions about the government's commitment to protecting its citizens.

What more to know about floods

• Kenya Urban Roads Authority (KURA) announced closer of major roads in Nairobi including Thika Superhighway after floodwaters made them impassable
• Kitengela woman cries for help after floods leave her stranded in her house touched Kenyans while she screamed through her window
• Weatherman asks Kenyans to remain on high alert following heavy rains throughout the week as heavy rains continue to pound across the country